US-RSPE SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK
The US-RSPE Sustainability Framework is the first-ever multi-stakeholder sustainability reporting framework for the entire U.S. supply chains for chicken, turkey, and eggs from producer to the final customer.
This assessment equips the entire value chain to measure better and communicates with stakeholders about the overall sustainability of U.S. poultry. Accurate and intentional measurement and tracking of continuous improvement help create a clearer picture of production to support informed customers.
Several sustainability assessment resources are available, but the poultry sector needed a reporting structure to tackle the complexities of their organizations and supply chains.
US-RSPE offered two public comment periods to provide transparency and create an opportunity for everyone to be involved in the development process. The first comment period was 45 days, from July 16 to August 31, 2021. The second comment period was 30 days, from September 23 to October 22, 2021. The response has been extremely positive, with almost 200 comments received, many of those including notes of overall support for the project.
Experts representing viewpoints that reflect the diversity of US-RSPE membership provided direction to refine the Framework via these comments. All comments were thoughtfully considered and incorporated to finalize the metrics and indicators included in the Framework. Feedback was also used to develop supporting documents making reporting into the US-RSPE Sustainability Framework as easy as possible to yield the best data.
The US-RSPE Sustainability Framework was launched in 2022. Join our membership for updates, or email rbennett@poultryegg.org to request a notification when additional 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.)