Use of sustainability and quality assurance scheme in Ireland to improve beef image
In Ireland, under the overall brand umbrella of Origin Green, Bord Bia (The Irish food Board) operates the Sustainable Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme (SBLQA) to authenticate the high sustainability and quality credentials of Irish beef. The scheme was developed to address the challenges in the market place where beef image and consumption is under constant pressure and where consumers require proof that beef is produced in a sustainable way to high standards. Originally devised in the early 1990’s as a quality assurance scheme, the SBLQA has developed over the years to address various changing market requirements, with a significant transformation in recent years to adopt the scheme to accommodate the area of sustainability.
There are over 50,000 Irish beef farmers participating in the SBLQA scheme and it covers over 90% of Irish beef output. Under the scheme, farmers and the processing sector are required to meet best practice standards and legislation, all accredited to ISO standards. At farm level, audits are conducted every 16-18 months by independent auditors on all aspects of production such as identification and traceability, food safety, animal health and welfare, safety, feed and water, animal remedies, land management, biosecurity, housing, transport, environment, social sustainability, and many other areas. A report on compliance is then prepared for the producer.
On sustainability, criteria have been developed, applied and audited at farm level which allow the scheme demonstrate the sustainability of Irish beef at individual farm level. The key sustainability criteria covered include minimising GHG, conservation of water, good soil management, improving biodiversity, enhancing social and economic performance.
BovINE - Beef Innovation Network Europe
Ongoing | 2020-2022
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Ireland