The ERBS unveils new 2030 targets to drive progress in European beef production
20th March 2025
In a major advancement for the European beef sector, the European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability (ERBS) has announced the launch of its updated sustainability targets for 2030, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to the sector’s environmental and social challenges. As beef sustainability continues to evolve, the ERBS recognises the critical need for collaboration across the value chain ensuring beef production is sustainable, ethical and environmentally responsible.
In 2024, the ERBS launched the ERBS Targets Taskforce, a dedicated working group to revise and advance its aligned sustainability targets. This process resulted in a refreshed set of targets, and the introduction of a new focus area: Nature. This milestone reinforces the ERBS’ commitment to improving beef sustainability and ensures the European beef industry remains ambitious and adaptive to the evolving sustainability landscape.
To gain insight into the evolution of these targets and what it means for the industry, ERBS Officer Siobhán Bradley sat down with Rebecca Thomson, Head of Sustainability at Kepak Group and a key member of the ERBS Targets Taskforce to discuss the motivation behind the review and the key changes that have been made.
Why is it important for ERBS Platforms to align on targets, and how does this drive progress at scale?
Rebecca Thomson: As businesses and within our own national frameworks, it is crucial that we align our efforts and acknowledge each Platform’s commitment to target setting. This collective alignment not only drives demonstrable progress but also helps us identify challenges and opportunities within our supply chains. By working together, we can achieve meaningful change on a larger scale.
What was the purpose of the ERBS Targets Taskforce, and why was it necessary to evolve the existing targets?
Rebecca Thomson: The Taskforce was introduced to provide companies with guidance and support as they build their sustainability strategies. It was important to evolve the existing targets because the sustainability landscape is constantly changing. To ensure the targets remain relevant, they needed to reflect both current realities and future challenges in the beef sector.
What are the key changes in the new ERBS targets, and how will they support continuous improvement in sustainable beef production?
Rebecca Thomson: One of the key additions is the inclusion of farmer livelihoods and nature focused targets. Environmental impact stretches further than GHG emissions. Beef production impacts water, soil and biodiversity in both positive and negative ways. The updated targets encourage companies to address risks to nature within their supply chains while also considering the economic and societal impacts on farmers. We may not have complete control on the impacts on farmers, but we must take a holistic approach to support a resilient agricultural supply chain.
How did collaboration, both within the Taskforce itself and with external stakeholders, shape these new targets?
Rebecca Thomson: The process was highly collaborative. It was a shared open space where all stakeholders were encouraged to contribute, ensuring the targets reflect a diverse range of perspectives. This engagement was essential in shaping targets that are both ambitious and achievable.
Why was nature added as a new target area, and how does it align with the SAI Platform Regenerating Together Framework?
Rebecca Thomson: The nature target aligns closely with the impact areas of SAI Platform’s Regenerating Together Framework, which advocates for regenerative agriculture practices which contribute to water quality, soil health, GHG mitigation and biodiversity enhancement. Adding Nature as a target underscores ERBS’ commitment to sustainable agriculture and the conservation of the ecosystems that surround us.
How will the ERBS support its Platforms in implementing these new targets?
Rebecca Thomson: The ERBS will support Platforms through case studies, industry research and collaborative efforts that demonstrate practical ways to meet the new targets.
How do you think the new ERBS targets and the work done at Platform level will support businesses who are members of the ERBS?
Rebecca Thomson: These targets will encourage businesses to deepen their understanding of their supply chains, identify risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them. This will not only improve sustainability outcomes but support businesses in meeting evolving consumer and regulatory demands.
The ERBS remains committed to tackling the shared sustainability challenges facing the beef industry, emphasising that no single company can address these issues alone. Through collaboration, the ERBS and its members are driving real progress towards more sustainable beef production at scale across Europe.
