ERBS Launches New Nature Toolbox to Strengthen Measurement Across Nature and Climate Priorities
5th February 2026
The European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability (ERBS) has released a new Nature Toolbox in response to the growing industry needs to have practical, credible ways to measure and improve nature and climate performance across European beef systems.
Developed in partnership with sustainability expert Padraig Brennan, the new Nature Toolbox aims to help members of the ERBS to address increasing scrutiny over biodiversity, soil health, water use and soil carbon. It provides a clear and structured approach to gather and assess data, supporting farmers as they adopt new practices and track their progress.
Designed as both robust and workable on the ground, the Toolbox offers users a simple entry point that can evolve as systems and data maturity develop. It aligns with the ERBS 2030 targets, where nature now stands alongside carbon sequestration as a core priority, reflecting the growing recognition that nature and climate challenges are deeply interconnected across European beef value chains.
To meet the different needs of users, the Toolbox is available in three formats:
- Summary version, presenting the strategic relevance of biodiversity, soil health, water and soil carbon, alongside key findings and actionable recommendations.
- Short report, offering an accessible mid-level overview.
- Detailed report, providing comprehensive guidance for those requiring deeper technical insight.
Together, the reports underline the growing importance of nature-related indicators for farm resilience, productivity and regulatory readiness. They encourage a move beyond isolated pilot projects towards scalable, farmer‑centred approaches, and highlight the value of integrated, whole‑farm strategies. They also point to the role of diverse data sources — from CAP eco‑schemes to remote sensing — in building credible measurement systems, recommending a phased and cost‑effective path that strengthens over time.
The launch of the Toolbox represents a significant move towards turning sustainability commitments into measurable progress, and the ERBS looks forward to seeing how members apply it across their operations to advance nature and climate outcomes.