Is your beef contributing to deforestation? Woolies promises greener future with its bold pledge!
- Replies 21
As people become more conscious of their environmental footprint, many are looking for ways to make more sustainable choices, especially when it comes to what they put on their dinner plates.
For our members who are passionate about preserving the beautiful Australian landscapes and ecosystems, there's some promising news on the horizon from one of the country's leading supermarkets.
Woolworths, a household name for many Aussies, has recently announced a significant update to its sustainability goals, committing to sell ‘deforestation-free’ beef by the end of next year.
On Wednesday, August 28, the retailer revealed its financial results and revised its sustainability target, moving from a net-zero deforestation goal to aiming for a ‘deforestation-free’ status by December 2025.
The policy will cover fresh beef, paper, pulp, timber, palm oil, cocoa, and soy sold in its stores.
However, it is still uncertain how ‘deforestation-free’ will be defined for cattle producers supplying beef to the supermarket, which represents around 7 per cent of all beef processed in Australia.
‘We are committed to sourcing beef sustainably in partnership with our farmers and suppliers,’ a Woolworths spokesperson stated.
‘We believe our no-deforestation goal will help promote the already strong sustainability credentials of Australian red meat, and expect all our suppliers to adhere to all federal and state land management laws.’
‘We support the development of a localised definition which recognises Australia's unique landscape and vegetation while ensuring responsible land management,’ they added.
In its sustainability statement, Woolworths mentioned that its strategy for achieving the target would be ‘grounded in principles of a just transition’ and that it would keep collaborating with beef producers ‘in pursuit of a geographically appropriate definition of deforestation that meets global regulatory requirements and corporate deforestation targets’.
Cattle Australia, which represents farmers raising pasture-fed cattle, applauded Woolworths' pledge to collaborate with producers in defining its sustainability criteria for the Australian context.
According to its spokesman, Chris Parker, Australian farmers ‘already operate under some of the toughest and most extensive vegetation management laws in the developed world (and) this move was a win for producers and the environment’.
Conservation groups have also praised Woolworths' decision to shift from a net-zero deforestation goal to a deforestation-free target.
‘No one sells more beef to Australians than Woolworths, so this commitment has enormous implications for nature and for people who want to make sustainable food choices,’ Australian Conservation Foundation Spokesman Nathaniel Pelle said.
‘While most graziers are not engaged in broadscale bulldozing of bushland, Australians can't choose deforestation-free beef because supermarkets don't differentiate.’
‘With this commitment, which follows a similar commitment from ALDI, that is changing,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Coles supermarket has adopted a ‘net-zero’ deforestation target rather than a deforestation-free policy.
This approach permits deforestation as long as it is ‘offset’ by tree planting in other areas.
A Coles spokesperson stated that the company is working with environmental groups on various nature-related matters.
‘We recognise the complexity of addressing the nature challenge and are committed to working with our farmers, suppliers and industry partners to reduce our impact on the environment and help our customers to make more responsible choices,’ the spokesperson said.
As Woolworths moves towards a deforestation-free policy for its beef supply, aiming to address environmental concerns with a more sustainable approach, other retailers are also making strides in reducing their environmental impact.
For example, ALDI has recently introduced a new packaging strategy designed to cut down on plastic waste.
This initiative is part of a broader trend among supermarkets to adopt more eco-friendly practices and address the pressing issue of plastic pollution, highlighting a growing commitment across the industry to sustainability.
What are your thoughts on Woolworths' deforestation-free beef pledge? Do you consider environmental factors when choosing where to shop and what to buy?
Share your views in the comments below, and let's discuss how we can all make a difference with our everyday choices.
For our members who are passionate about preserving the beautiful Australian landscapes and ecosystems, there's some promising news on the horizon from one of the country's leading supermarkets.
Woolworths, a household name for many Aussies, has recently announced a significant update to its sustainability goals, committing to sell ‘deforestation-free’ beef by the end of next year.
On Wednesday, August 28, the retailer revealed its financial results and revised its sustainability target, moving from a net-zero deforestation goal to aiming for a ‘deforestation-free’ status by December 2025.
The policy will cover fresh beef, paper, pulp, timber, palm oil, cocoa, and soy sold in its stores.
However, it is still uncertain how ‘deforestation-free’ will be defined for cattle producers supplying beef to the supermarket, which represents around 7 per cent of all beef processed in Australia.
Woolworths has pledged to offer ‘deforestation-free’ beef by December 2025. Credit: Cattle Australia
‘We are committed to sourcing beef sustainably in partnership with our farmers and suppliers,’ a Woolworths spokesperson stated.
‘We believe our no-deforestation goal will help promote the already strong sustainability credentials of Australian red meat, and expect all our suppliers to adhere to all federal and state land management laws.’
‘We support the development of a localised definition which recognises Australia's unique landscape and vegetation while ensuring responsible land management,’ they added.
In its sustainability statement, Woolworths mentioned that its strategy for achieving the target would be ‘grounded in principles of a just transition’ and that it would keep collaborating with beef producers ‘in pursuit of a geographically appropriate definition of deforestation that meets global regulatory requirements and corporate deforestation targets’.
Cattle Australia, which represents farmers raising pasture-fed cattle, applauded Woolworths' pledge to collaborate with producers in defining its sustainability criteria for the Australian context.
According to its spokesman, Chris Parker, Australian farmers ‘already operate under some of the toughest and most extensive vegetation management laws in the developed world (and) this move was a win for producers and the environment’.
Conservation groups have also praised Woolworths' decision to shift from a net-zero deforestation goal to a deforestation-free target.
‘No one sells more beef to Australians than Woolworths, so this commitment has enormous implications for nature and for people who want to make sustainable food choices,’ Australian Conservation Foundation Spokesman Nathaniel Pelle said.
‘While most graziers are not engaged in broadscale bulldozing of bushland, Australians can't choose deforestation-free beef because supermarkets don't differentiate.’
‘With this commitment, which follows a similar commitment from ALDI, that is changing,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Coles supermarket has adopted a ‘net-zero’ deforestation target rather than a deforestation-free policy.
This approach permits deforestation as long as it is ‘offset’ by tree planting in other areas.
A Coles spokesperson stated that the company is working with environmental groups on various nature-related matters.
‘We recognise the complexity of addressing the nature challenge and are committed to working with our farmers, suppliers and industry partners to reduce our impact on the environment and help our customers to make more responsible choices,’ the spokesperson said.
As Woolworths moves towards a deforestation-free policy for its beef supply, aiming to address environmental concerns with a more sustainable approach, other retailers are also making strides in reducing their environmental impact.
For example, ALDI has recently introduced a new packaging strategy designed to cut down on plastic waste.
This initiative is part of a broader trend among supermarkets to adopt more eco-friendly practices and address the pressing issue of plastic pollution, highlighting a growing commitment across the industry to sustainability.
Share your views in the comments below, and let's discuss how we can all make a difference with our everyday choices.
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