US-RSPE SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK
The US-RSPE Sustainability Framework is the first-ever, multi-stakeholder sustainability reporting framework for the full U.S. supply chains for chicken, turkey and eggs from producer to final customer.
This assessment will help equip the entire value chain better measure and communicate with stakeholders about the overall sustainability of U.S. poultry. Accurate and intentional measurement and tracking of continuous improvement helps create a clearer picture of how these products are produced to support informed customers.
There are several sustainability assessment resources available, but the poultry sector needed a reporting structure that tackled the complexities of the their organizations and full supply chains.
US-RSPE offered two public comment periods to provide transparency and an opportunity for everyone to be involved in the development process. The first comment period was 45 days, running from July 16 - August 31, 2021. The second comment period was 30 days, running from September 23 - October 22, 2021. The response has been extremely positive with almost 200 comments received, with many of those including notes of overall support for the project.
Experts representing viewpoints as diverse as US-RSPE membership provided direction to refine the Framework via these comments that is being carefully considered and used to finalize the metrics and indicators included as well as develop supporting documents to make reporting into the US-RSPE Sustainability Framework as easy as possible and yield the best data.
The US-RSPE Sustainability Framework is expected to be launched in early 2022. Updates will be posted here or email rbennett@poultryegg.org to request a notification when assets are available.
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER DEVELOPMENT
We set up US-RSPE to be different, and you can see that in our structure. Those raising the birds worked side-by-side with their supply chain and environmental groups who have specific expertise in sustainability programs and everyone in between. This dynamic allows the Framework to be meaningful to the people implementing it and relevant to those who want to know more. The Framework is a tool to enhance transparency into how our poultry are being raised and how it relates to our planet and its people.
US-RSPE and the Framework development process welcomed and included input from:
- Retailers/grocery stores
- Food service companies
- Breeders
- Hatcheries
- Feed manufacturers
- Farm operators
- Processors and further processors
- Renderers
- Integrators
- Non-government organizations (environmental, social, veterinary, etc.)
- Allied industries (animal health providers, equipment manufacturers, etc.)