In a strategy clearly aimed at supplying the high-value, expanding EU grainfed market, three of JBS Australia’s beef feedlots have received Global GAP certification under the program’s Integrated Farm Assurance Standard for Cattle.

Global GAP certification brings the three JBS feedlots – Riverina Beef and Caroona in NSW, and Beef City in southern Qld – into line with the highest integrated farm assurance standards worldwide.

In combination, the three feedlots have a one-time capacity to feed in excess of 100,000 cattle.

Through its office in London, JBS managed the project with SAI Global UK, an accredited service provider for Global GAP.

Marcus O’Sullivan, managing director of JBS Global (UK), said the move reaffirmed the company’s belief that the product it produced was of a world-class standard, not only in terms of its eating quality, but also with regard to the integrity of the supply chain which backed it up. 

The certification approval now put Australian beef from the three JBS feedlots on a level playing field in terms of the European Farm Assurance programs, Mr O’Sullivan said.

JBS Australia chief executive officer Iain Mars said the company had a long-term commitment to servicing the European market, as it was an important premium quality market for Australian beef.

“We are excited about achieving Global GAP certification for three of our feedlots, as it reflects our commitment to meeting the highest quality standards,” Mr Mars said.

Commenting on the approval, Robin Levin, operations manager for agriculture at SAI Global said his company was delighted to be working with JBS and Global GAP on the ground-breaking project to increase consumer choice and world supplies of quality assured food.

JBS Global (UK) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of JBS SA, the world largest producer of protein. Based in London, the business imports and distributes JBS product from around the world to retail, wholesale and food service customers throughout Europe. Founded in 2001, the company is one of the largest importers of meat in Europe.