Leading grower of Washington apples and cherries and the only producer of the Hunnyz™ apple variety, Gee Whiz®, announces that since the Hunnyz™ variety was introduced, volume is expected to extend into late spring 2025.
“We are so pleased to be able to meet more of the demand that has culminated since we first introduced Hunnyz™ in 2022,” said Brian Traum, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We have reached a production level in terms of tree maturity and consistent fruit quality that will help us extend the Hunnyz™ season well into May 2025. We are proud of this achievement and cannot wait for those first boxes to hit store shelves!”
Hunnyz™ apples quickly gained retail appeal due to their crunch and sweet tang. The bi-color apple variety is a cross between CrimsonCrisp® and Honeycrisp, providing a perfectly balanced flavor.
“Because Gee Whiz® is the only apple producer to grow this particular variety, we are able to control the growing practices of this fruit to an exacting degree that ensures every Hunnyz™ apple tree is delivering the same sweet, crunchy eating experience with every bite”, added Traum.
In addition to the larger volume this apple season, Hunnyz™ will be available in more pack styles including tray pack, pouch bags, and Euro style bags. The first harvest of Hunnyz™ apples will ship in early October 2024 and supply is expected to carry into May 2025. For additional information, please visitwww.geewhizfruit.com.
Ten years ago, Nkanyiso Ngubane and Nothando Shangase started Dukathole Farm. In New Hanover, in KwaZulu-Natal, South-Africa, they grow open field and greenhouse vegetables. The agricultural graduates combine food production with educational opportunities, and employments of women and youth.
Nothando was born and raised in deep rural Ndwedwe in the Thafamasi Area. “Farming was a daily life and most families depended on farming for food security. However, as I grew up, I noticed that the agricultural sector was highly dominated by men, more especially in animal production and most families did not treat farming as a business. Even though they had land and the potential to move from subsistence to commercial farming, they lacked knowledge and did not have enough courage to take produce to formal markets. This pushed me to grow my knowledge about the industry where I enrolled for a Diploma in agriculture at Mangosuthu University of Technology, and a BTech Agriculture degree with Tshwane University of Technology, wanting not just to see change but also to be the change.”
The Dukathole business was established in 2014 to meet the growing demand and ongoing need for fresh vegetables. Dukathole aims to develop a high-quality vegetable brand targeting not only South Africa but also a growing business for exports. For Dukathole directors, farming has become their livelihood, and they have experienced both intensive and conventional vegetable growing systems.
Production Dukathole produces a variety of vegetables both on the open field and in hydroponic tunnels. “Mainly in the open field, we have produced green beans, baby marrows, cabbages, and cauliflower. In the greenhouse, we have produced runner beans and cherry tomatoes, and our main produce has been cucumbers of which we produced 11 200 cucumber sticks per tunnel per season”, says Nothando. Their total acreage is 50 hectare, both including open field and greenhouse production.
Hydroponics “We initially opted for hydroponic tunnels because of the limited land we had, and we needed a system that would allow us to produce high yields, while also allowing us to utilize vertical space. The other advantages we have experienced include water savings, fertigation being more effective as irrigation is directed straight to the roots, and the system enables us to customize the fertigation programs according to our different crops and their requirements. The growth cycles are also faster than our traditional methods, and product quality is easily maintained.”
Challenges for the two female director “I would say as growers we face challenges of complying with financial institutions and formal market requirements. The industry is still developing, especially for black growers in South Africa. We find these two aspects challenging and limiting us to maximize our land and to produce up to our full potential”, says Nothando when asked to reflect on the challenges in the industry. She explains that growers, and especially women, are facing another extensive challenge of theft and other security issues. “This has led to additional unforeseen business costs.”
Dukathole Farm has been fully funded by the South African government so far and they are looking forward to this season to grow and comply with private financial institutes to become financially independent. “We have tried to comply before but have not met their requirements yet which has led us to so many delays while teaching us endurance.” She explains there’s not enough assets to be used as collaterals, and the cashflow is not constant due to limited land. After terminating their lease contract on a previous site, the team is currently in the process of relocating one of their greenhouses.
Nothando explains that they have recently already moved their business to a new site and are looking forward to introducing grain production in the open field as part of their agriculture. They will have dry beans for the first time this season, and they “cannot wait to learn and grow, and we are thrilled to see ourselves entering new doors to complete what we have to offer”.
Labor The Dukathole Farm employs residents, more especially women and youth. As a small business cannot afford minimal wages for all their workers, they reduce the working hours to comply with the South African Labour Act. “As we are professionally trained managers of the farm, we also empower the women we employ by training them in our ways of cultivation. We believe this is the best sustainable way.”
For more information: Dukathole Farm Nothando Shangase Email: [email protected]
WASHINGTON — The National Chicken Council (NCC) formally requested an additional 90-day extension of the comment period for the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) proposed Salmonella Framework.
The trade association stated in its letter that it was pleased when the agency announced it would hold two webinars about the proposed rule, “Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products.” And in a Constituent Update in August, FSIS explained that participants in the webinar would have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions or technical questions during those meetings on Sept. 9 and 10.
Yet, Ashley Peterson, PhD, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for NCC, said the webinar failed to provide meaningful insights or clarification on most of the clarifying and technical questions asked by participants, including representatives from very small, small, and large establishments, public health officials, trade association representatives, and other stakeholders.
“NCC and our member companies made great efforts to develop and submit questions that would have been very helpful in aiding the industry’s understanding of the proposal,” Peterson added. “However, these webinars failed to fulfill their announced goal, as most clarifying and technical questions remain unanswered. In sum, it is evident that there are more questions than answers at this point. The lack of clarity around many aspects of the proposal directly impedes NCC’s and our members’ ability to meaningfully comment on the proposal.”
Peterson also noted that the webinars showed that FSIS had limited guidance to offer the industry on how FSIS would implement the proposal as written.
In August, FSIS announced that it would extend the comment period for its proposed rule until Nov. 7, 2024. But last week, Congressional Chicken Caucus co-chairs, Representatives Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Jim Costa (D-Calif.), sent a letter to the USDA requesting a 180-day extension for the agency’s proposed rule, moving the deadline for comments to April 4, 2025.
NCC officials concluded that there’s still “voluminous” information to read and analyze by experts in the industry.
“In light of the agency continuing to encourage feedback on the proposed Salmonella Framework, additional time is needed to provide the agency with the type of feedback required for a proposal of this magnitude,” Peterson said.
In today’s competitive retail environment, every dollar counts—not just for consumers but for retailers as well. Digital coupons have emerged as a powerful tool, enabling retailers to connect with savvy shoppers seeking savings while enhancing the shopping experience. The problem? Despite having thousands of digital coupons available, many consumers are unaware they exist. However, by embracing the right technology stack, retailers can leverage digital coupons to drive sales, build brand loyalty, and ultimately increase profitability. The many benefits of digital coupons prove to be a worthwhile investment in innovative technology that can not only keep up with shopper expectations but exceed them, bringing a whole new meaning to customer engagement.
Driving sales through real savings
Digital coupons are more than just discounts; they represent a strategic avenue for increasing sales. By offering targeted deals, retailers can encourage customers to make purchases they might not have considered otherwise. In fact, a recent study shows that “38% of American consumers buy more than they intended when they have a coupon; 67% will make an unplanned purchase because of a coupon.”
With advancements in technology, shoppers can scan their items in-store while shopping on a retailer’s mobile app and easily clip available digital coupons on eligible items. This not only enhances their shopping experience but also drives additional sales in the store.
Convenience for customers
Retailers understand that convenience is key. Digital coupons eliminate the hassle of paper coupons, which can easily be forgotten at home. Customers can access and redeem offers seamlessly using their mobile devices or an interactive touchscreen in-store, whether at home creating a shopping list or at the checkout counter. By making it easy for customers to save, retailers empower them to enjoy their shopping experience without the anxiety of overspending.
Enhancing the shopping experience with personalization
Personalization has become increasingly important in the retail landscape. By utilizing AI machine-learning technology like ECRS’ Cognition Artemis™, retailers can offer highly targeted discounts based on customer shopping behaviors. For example, if a customer frequently purchases snack items, retailers can automatically send them exclusive coupon offers for their favorites. This personal touch makes shoppers feel valued and encourages repeat visits, ultimately fostering long-term relationships.
Cultivating brand loyalty
Everyone appreciates a good deal, and digital coupons provide retailers with a unique opportunity to build relationships with customers. By consistently offering valuable deals in ways they can be effortlessly redeemed, retailers not only enhance customer satisfaction but also cultivate brand loyalty. Customers who feel appreciated are more likely to choose a particular store over competitors, leading to repeat business and increased customer lifetime value.
A variety of offers to engage customers
Digital coupons can take many forms—percentage-off deals, cashback offers, and buy-one-get-one-free promotions, to name a few. This variety allows retailers to cater to different customer preferences and needs, driving engagement and encouraging shoppers to explore new products in-store and online. To add to the variety of coupon offers, retailers should opt for a solution that allows digital coupon providers to easily integrate with their entire POS system like ECRS’ CATAPULT® Retail POS. By having a suite of generic coupon and third-party loyalty APIs, retailers can offer thousands of digital coupons from multiple vendors, providing their shoppers with even more opportunities to save. The more choices provided, the more likely customers are to take advantage of the offers.
“It’s estimated that a significant number of manufacturer grocery coupons go unused every day. In fact, only about 0.85% of all coupons issued in 2023 were redeemed,” said ECRS Founder & CEO Pete Catoe. “Given that billions of coupons are distributed annually, this means millions of coupons are never redeemed. So what good is a coupon if shoppers can’t find or clip it? This is where retailers stand to gain a huge vantage point by providing their customers with an easy way to instantly clip and save at their store right at the cashier lane or online.”
Bridging the gap
To maximize the benefits of digital coupons, effective solutions must simplify access for customers. Tools like ECRS’ Connect+Clip™ deliver manufacturer coupons directly to shoppers at checkout, whether online, at a self-checkout, or in the cashier lane. Having digital coupon delivery software that is integrated with the entire point-of-sale technology stack guarantees a seamless shopping experience no matter where or how a shopper chooses to clip coupons.
During a recent interview with North State Grocery Inc., they were asked about what digital coupon technology they think would be valuable. They replied, “The interactive customer display. The touch screen—let them do their thing while we’re scanning their groceries. We’ve been dying for something like that.” The touch screen display at checkout would allow shoppers to utilize Connect+Clip to redeem available digital coupons on items as they are being scanned by cashiers as well as AI-recommended coupons for future redemption using CATAPULT Cognition™’s machine-learning technology. By empowering shoppers to clip digital coupons during checkout, check on their loyalty account, and save AI-recommended coupons for future purchases, retailers can create an engaging, positive experience that keeps their customers coming back.
Strengthening connections with manufacturers
Retailers can leverage their partnering CPG marketing dollars to fund discounts to their consumers; however, the problem is that while manufacturer digital coupons exist, consumers are likely unaware of them. With the right digital coupon clipping solution, shoppers can effortlessly find available coupons while retailers can easily collaborate with manufacturers to deliver relevant and timely offers to them. This increased visibility drives demand for products while enriching the overall shopping experience. Manufacturers also benefit from valuable insights into customer preferences, creating a powerful synergy between retailers, brands, and shoppers.
A win-win for everyone
The advantages of digital coupons extend to all stakeholders. Retailers gain foot traffic and sales, manufacturers see an increase in demand for their products, and customers enjoy substantial savings—resulting in a thriving shopping ecosystem that benefits everyone.
Conclusion
Digital coupons are reshaping the retail landscape, offering immense opportunities for retailers to connect with customers, boost sales, and enhance the shopping experience. By leveraging tools like ECRS’ Connect+Clip to streamline and maximize coupon offerings, retailers position themselves to meet the evolving needs of consumers in a competitive market. Now is the time for retailers to implement a digital coupon strategy to create a more rewarding shopping experience for customers and a prosperous future for their businesses.
About ECRS
ECRS is a US-based, Certified Evergreen™ transaction and retail solutions provider, with a successful track record that stretches over 30 years. ECRS future-proofs local and regional retailers to win in today’s market, while preparing them for tomorrow’s opportunities. ECRS’ revolutionary CATAPULT® POS system is the market’s only truly unified transaction platform, running in thousands of locations across North America. With CATAPULT, the point of sale, self-checkout, deli scales, fuel pump, pharmacy, web-store, inventory, customer loyalty, back office, e-commerce, and enterprise management all share one single transactional logic. Unified Transaction Logic® empowers retailers to prosper by providing actionable business intelligence across their enterprise. Unifying hardware, software, and services, ECRS offers friction-free, cost-saving solutions that increase customer engagement while transforming the consumer experience.
Nooish founder Sarah Nathan talked to Nosh about her instant matzah ball soup product and why she decided to launch a brand despite knowing the challenges that come with being a CPG food operator.
We talked with Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig’s chief blender, about how the company culture fosters experimentation, where she finds inspiration, and even what opportunities Dry January brings.
MET-Rx, a meal replacement brand in sports nutrition, announced the expansion of its popular BIG 100 product line with the introduction of granola bars and two flavors. Fitness enthusiasts and snack lovers alike can enjoy new flavors including Blueberry Cobbler and Mint Super Cookie Crunch, as well as the all-new BIG 100 Granola Bars.
Aiming to elevate consumers’ fitness journeys, MET-Rx’s newest flavor innovations are designed to add excitement and variety to MET-Rx’s flavor profiles without sacrificing substance. The Blueberry Cobbler offers a twist on the traditional cobbler, combining everyone’s favorite blueberry taste with 18 essential vitamins and minerals. The new Mint Super Cookie Crunch, a dessert-inspired flavor, puts a minty take on MET-Rx’s top-selling Super Cookie Crunch plus 19 essential vitamins and minerals. Both flavors pack 30g of exclusive METAMYOSYN® protein and are available in a convenient four-count box, for satisfying consumers’ sweet tooth while keeping them fueled throughout the day.
MET-Rx is also excited to introduce Big 100 Granola Bars, a morning snack to kick-start the day with added nutrition and the benefit of 5g of fiber, a first for the Big 100 line. The Chocolate Chip bars deliver a classic, satisfying flavor, while the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bars combine the richness of peanut butter with the crunch of chocolate chips, ensuring maximum satiety and taste. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, and sunflower seeds, these bars are ideal for an on-the-go breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a satisfying snack anytime.
While leaves are falling, sweetness is calling at Krispy Kreme in the form of the brand’s Golden Harvest Collection, three all-new doughnuts and a returning flavor.
Available beginning today for a limited time at participating shops, Krispy Kreme’s Golden Harvest Collection enables doughnut and fall lovers to savor the sweet and spiced flavors of season, including:
New Maple Buttercreme Doughnut – an Original Glazed doughnut topped with maple flavored buttercreme and fall sprinkles.
New Oatmeal Kreme Pie Doughnut – an unglazed doughnut with white Kreme filling, dipped in cookie dough icing and streusel topping, with a dollop of white Kreme and a bite sized oatmeal cookie.
New Salted Caramel Cheesecake Doughnut – an Original Glazed doughnut topped with a swirl of cream cheese buttercreme and dulce de leche flavored filling, sprinkled with salted caramel flavored crunch.
Spiced Apple Filled Doughnut – A cinnamon sugar doughnut filled with spiced apple filling.
“A slight chill in the morning air, a hint of color in the leaves, and just like that we’re ready for some delicious fall flavors,” says Dave Skena, global chief brand officer for Krispy Kreme. “Our Golden Harvest collection is autumn bliss, so savor them while they last.”
Golden Harvest dozens are available in-shop and for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme’s app and website. The new doughnuts also are available in a special 6-count box delivered fresh daily to select retailers; visit krispykreme.com/locate/location-search#grocery to find a shop or grocery store location near you.
To fall even further into the season, guests also can enjoy Krispy Kreme’s Pumpkin Spice flavored Cake Doughnut and Pumpkin Spice flavored Latte, seasonal favorites that were added to the menu last month.
Show how you’re enjoying Krispy Kreme’s Golden Harvest Collection by using #KrispyKreme and tagging @krispykreme on social. Learn more about the limited time offer by visiting krispykreme.com/promos/fall.
Krispy Kreme is on the current Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery “Top 50 Snack & Bakery Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Top 50” rankings.
Crop residues would be used to create biomethane under a plan proposed by Valorify. Photo: Valorify
A PROPOSED new biomethane plant in New South Wales’ Riverina region has taken a step forward after proponent Valorify partnered with energy infrastructure company Jemena to explore biogas use.
The plant is expected to use approximately 190,000-380,000 tonnes per year of cereal straw and agricultural byproducts to produce up to four petajoules (PJ) of biogas and up to up to 240,000t of granulated fertiliser.
Valorify chief executive officer Scott Grierson said the company was investigating several sites in the Riverina region in order to find the ideal location to construct the facility.
He said this included the WRConnect Precinct, formerly known as the Western Riverina Intermodal Freight Terminal, at Wumbulgal, 20km south-east of Griffith.
Valorify is currently progressing a development application with the NSW Government and Leeton Shire Council to construct the Riverina Bioenergy Facility at the Wumbulgal site; however, the exact location of the development is yet to be finalised.
The site currently features a weighbridge, silos and bunkers operated by AgConnex, WRConnect’s owners; Riverina Hay, a hay storage and production facility; and a cotton storage-and-handling facility run by Weilin Trade.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Valorify and Jemena will assess the feasibility of injecting biomethane produced by Valorify into the NSW gas distribution network, currently connected to more than 1.5 million homes and businesses.
It is hoped the work towards finalising a reliable and permanent demand pathway for the biogas will promote investment in the project and ensure its long-term financial viability.
The Riverina Biomethane project is expected to launch its first 2PJ scale module in 2027.
Mr Grierson said businesses like Valorify were also helping local communities utilise their agricultural waste to unlock further economic potential.
“Projects like the Riverina Biomethane project can transform regional Australia by harnessing agricultural waste while stimulating local economies and creating permanent jobs in regional communities,” Dr Grierson said.
“We have seen the practical demonstration of biomethane injection in countries like Denmark, the US and the UK for a number of years.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved in bringing this innovation to Australia.”
Jemena managing director David Gillespie said Valorify’s proposed Riverina Bioenergy project could produce enough biomethane to meet the equivalent energy needs of over 50,000 household customers, or more than 6 percent of current industrial demand.
“Valorify’s Riverina Bioenergy project will assist the decarbonisation of large gas users who produce many of the items we rely on every day such as glass, medicines, and building materials,” Mr Gillespie said.
“These gas users require high-heat loads for processes which cannot be electrified.
“Biomethane is identical to natural gas, which means we can avoid the need to upgrade infrastructure, reskill the workforce, retool industrial processes, or replace end-use appliances.”
Ararat, Goulburn Murray projects
The Riverina Bioenergy facility is one of three renewable energy projects Valorify is progressing which will utilise agricultural waste.
The Ararat Bioenergy project is the most advanced of the three, with the company finalising a stubble supply agreements with Victorian growers in April.
Valorify has concluded the engineering and design phase for the project, as well as lodged environmental and development applications.
Stage 1 of the Ararat Bioenergy project will be the “commercial demonstration” facility and aims to be the first single-feedstock, straw-based anaerobic-digestion platform in Australia.
Dr Grierson said the Ararat project will give confidence to growers that renewable energy facilities can be a viable source of secondary income.
“For us, this is only the beginning and hopefully our Stage 1 plant will give local farmers the confidence they need to step into the breach at a later point.”
Valorify has partnered with Indigenous company Yurringa Energy to develop the Goulburn Murray Woka Yurringa Energy Project.
This project is expected to use low-grade or excess straw and crop stubble, food-processing waste, culled fruit and prunings as feedstocks to produce renewable gas.
Expressions of interest are currently open for growers in the Gouburn Murray region to supply straw from crops, such as wheat, barley, oats, canola and peas.
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CATTLE Australia has today released its definition of deforestation in the Australian context, emphasising Australia’s strict vegetation management laws and the importance of beef production.
The grassfed cattle industry’s peak lobby group has also called on the Federal Government to support the industry with more accurate and up-to-date data on agricultural land use, biodiversity and nature.
The work has been done in reply to a growing list of supply chains demanding the industry prove its products are not the result of “deforestation” after sustained campaigns from environmental groups. Woolworths, McDonald’s and the European Union are some of the first movers.
Cattle Australia CEO Dr Chris Parker
Europe’s deforestation policy is becoming more controversial by the day, with the Australian senate last week calling on the Union to delay the policy due to a lack of direction.
Its definition of deforestation includes exemptions for agricultural land. CA chief executive officer Chris Parker said the Land Management Commitment (LMC) aligned with the international definitions.
“In a modern global context where Australia is a key player in the global beef trade, exporting over $10 billion annually, the alignment of Australian definitions with global definitions to ensure equivalency is crucial,” Dr Parker said.
“Globally, there is clear recognition of the importance of food production, and Australian definitions enable us to demonstrate the Australian regional context and the land management practices vital to maintaining food production, healthy landscapes and biodiversity.”
The LMC has been in the works for most of this year, with CA releasing a draft in July and calling for feedback.
“The outcome of the work is a decision tree model and educational information on the routine land management practices supported by the Australian State, Territory and Federal legislation through case studies, to ensure easy implementation for producers and the wider industry,” Dr Parker said.
Key definitions:
Deforestation as the illegal clearing of trees on land, used for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes, that violates vegetation management laws and where trees exceed forest thresholds.
Agricultural land is defined as land used for the production of food and fibre, including the grazing of livestock. Agricultural land use is demonstrated under the national Australian Land Use Management (ALUM) Classification system, with the majority of Australian grass-fed beef produced on Class 2 land type – Production from Relatively Natural Environments.
Forest is defined as an area, incorporating all living and non-living components, dominated by trees having usually a single stem and a mature or potentially mature stand height exceeding two metres, and with existing or potential crown cover of overstorey strata about equal to or greater than 20 per cent.
Forest does not include land that is predominantly under agricultural use in line with international definitions.
Deforestation decision making tool. Click to enlarge
The forest threshold was one point that was up for discussion during the process, with international frameworks classifying land spanning more 0.5ha, with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10pc.
CA told Beef Central that the organisation is trying to maintain Australian consistency and definition it used is the same definition as the Australian Forest Inventory.
Industry already abides by strict vegetation management laws
Environmental organisations – the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Wilderness Society and Greenpeace – have been campaigning for all regrowth 15-years and older to be protected under the deforestation targets.
They continued that campaign in the hours after CA released its definition today.
Dr Parker said Australian producers already abide by some of the strictest vegetation management laws in the world, and the LMC would complement these.
“Australia has more than 136 existing vegetation laws embedded in State, Territory and Federal legislation that protects the environment and biodiversity, representative of the complexity of the 89 bioregions within the Australian landscape,” Dr Parker said.
“As custodians of more than 50 per cent of the country’s land mass, the Australian grass-fed beef industry grazes on 325 million hectares of native vegetation and over 46 million hectares of modified pastures.
“We are proud to play a part in ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of our environment for generations to come through responsible land management – a role we take extremely seriously.”
Dr Parker said despite the campaigns of industry detractors, the beef sector’s sustainability credentials are clear.
“Australia sits in the top 10 countries globally for protected forest area, with 36pc of Australia’s forest on land managed for conservation purposes,” he said.
“The total legal land clearing and re-clearing of native forests was 0.134pc in 2020-21, and there has been a net positive change in forest for the past 16 years since 2008.
“Invasive plants, pests and diseases are now the number one contributor to biodiversity loss in Australia, which producers spend $5.3 billion annually managing.”
Recommendations for effective implementation
To ensure the beef industry can demonstrate its sustainability credentials to attract incentives for biodiversity, market access, and strategic growth, the LMC work has identified four key recommendations:
Australian government to manage an accurate and up-to-date (updated annually) national dataset to demonstrate through satellite mapping, agricultural land use, nature and biodiversity.
Ensure equivalency with international standards that support producers operating within the Australian context in maintaining market access to both domestic and international markets and ensure technical barriers to trade are compliant with World Trade Organisation rules.
Industry and government tools must be accessible to enable producers to demonstrate the benefits of the co-existence of beef production and biodiversity outcomes.
Empower strategic agricultural growth through sustainable development plans that detail strategies that ensure food security, regional economies and local ecosystems are not compromised.
Dr Parker said Australian beef producers are already world leaders in environmental and biodiversity management practices.
“The LMC work has been undertaken at a time when the supply chain and financial sector are being caught under a broader trend requiring global businesses to publicly disclose the actions they are taking to promote sustainable outcomes for the planet,” Dr Parker said.
“These definitions and recommendations are simply a means to ensure we maintain our world-leading reputation and can respond to the changing market access requirements.
“The Australian beef industry plays a crucial role in addressing the world’s food security and climate challenges by exporting 70pc of our product to over 100 countries globally. It is vital this role is recognised, and the industry is supported by both the Government and the Australian people.”
Nationals MP welcomes LMC
Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, Kevin Hogan has said he strongly supports Cattle Australia’s Land Management Commitment strategic policy which was released today.
“Cattle Australia’s Land Management Commitment (LMC) emphasises the primacy of agricultural land and includes definitions in the Australian context. We have worldclass beef, and world class farming practises – we want our beef continuing to be exported to Europe” Mr Hogan said.
“People need to know that Australian producers already abide by some of the strictest vegetation management laws in the world. Farmers are committed to ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of our environment for generations to come through responsible land management.
“We cannot have another country telling our farmers what to do and how to do it, with no understanding of our long standing, effective land management practices. Cattle Australia’s work provides a pathway for equivalency with international standards in maintaining market access and compliance with World Trade Organisation rules.”
Read the full Land Management Commitment strategic policy here
