VBP+ offers industry-developed quality assurance

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of monthly columns by Melissa Downing, Alberta’s Provincial Coordinator with VBP+. This post focuses on VBP+ as a whole, while subsequent articles will address specific aspects of beef production through the VBP+ lens.

Verified Beef Production (VBP) has been around for awhile now and, like many of us, it is getting better with age!

Overview

Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) is a voluntary, national, industry-developed assurance program which started in the early 2000’s as a means to ensure we have the best quality product for consumers. In order to boost consumer confidence in beef, we need to validate what we are doing on-farm and the VBP+ program offers a way to do that. The program is managed by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and delivered regionally – in Alberta it is delivered under the oversight of Alberta Beef Producers.

The original focus of the program was to provide education and verification related to on-farm food safety, with a strong emphasis on reducing broken needles and preventing cattle on a withdrawal period from entering the food chain. While on-farm food safety continues to be one of the pillars of the program, in 2016 the program evolved into Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) with the “Plus” referencing the expanded scope including environmental stewardship, animal care and biosecurity. VBP+ continues to provide education and verification services for beef production all the way from cow-calf operations to finisher feedlots.

If you are interested in learning more about Verified Beef Production Plus, please contact your regional representative.