Australian shoppers will soon be able to confidently buy beef which has not been a produced as a result of clearing forests.
Woolworths this week joined Aldi in committing to no longer selling beef linked to deforestation.
Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Nature and Business Lead Nathaniel Pelle said while most graziers were not engaged in broadscale bulldozing of bushland, Australians couldn’t choose deforestation-free beef because supermarkets didn’t differentiate.
“With this commitment, which follows a similar commitment from Aldi, that is changing,” Mr Pelle said.
He said no supermarket sold more beef than Woolworths.
“This commitment has enormous implications for nature and for people who want to make sustainable food choices,” Mr Pelle said.
“Australia is an international deforestation hotspot, but that problem is being driven by a small number of operators.
“Australian consumers will soon be able to buy beef knowing they are supporting farmers who protect forests and woodland on their properties.”
Mr Pelle said food systems relied on the health of the natural world.
He said not acting to end deforestation had consequences for farmers, shareholders, nature and ultimately food security.
“A completely deforestation-free Australian beef industry is entirely possible, but it requires all the big players to take action.”
He said Aldi’s commitment went further than Woolworths by ruling out the destruction of all ecosystems including native bushland, not just forests.
