Cargill selects WFCF for beef sustainability pilot programme

Multinational food giant Cargill has selected US-based company Where Food Comes From (WFCF) as an auditing body for its Canadian Beef Sustainability Acceleration Pilot programme.

WFCF is reportedly a trusted resource for third-party verification of food production practices.

Cargill’s pilot programme focuses on testing, validating, auditing and traceability systems necessary for the Certified Sustainable Beef Framework, which was established by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB).

The programme provides a platform for cattle producers who wish to demonstrate the sustainability of their operations.

WFCF president Leann Saunders said: “We are delighted that WFCF Canada has been selected as a certification partner.

“As a company, we verify over 5,000 beef producers in North America with the goal to help supply chains improve processes, bundle certifications and add value.

“We gained deep expertise as the sole verification partner for the 2014-2016 McDonald’s Verified Sustainable Beef Pilot and look forward to applying this knowledge as a certifier for the CBSA pilot.”

The pilot programme tests the methodology for tracking eligible cattle through audited live animal supply chains, as well as a methodology for tracking resulting supply chain sustainability certifications, from the beef carcass to finished products.

By combining live cattle and beef product traceability, Cargill’s Canadian customers will be able to demonstrate the sustainability of their supply chains and create an opportunity for future sustainability claims once the CRSB’s framework is complete.