The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) has appointed Patrick Hutchinson as the new Chair of its Steering Group, bringing over 25 years of experience in the Australian red meat and livestock industry to the role.

As the framework that establishes key sustainability performance indicators for Australia’s beef industry, the ABSF enables producers to measure their progress in animal welfare, environmental management, economic stability, and community engagement through evidence-based metrics.

Mr. Hutchinson, who now runs his own agribusiness advisory firm, offers a comprehensive supply chain perspective that will help maintain sustainability as an industry-wide priority. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), where he guided the industry through significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and changing international trade dynamics.

“The ABSF benchmarks Australian beef producers and monitors performance across 24 priority issues and 53 sustainability indicators. It assures customers that producers are equally committed to sustainability,” said Hutchinson.

His leadership agenda includes engaging all parts of the supply chain to achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes through collaboration. “My priority will be ensuring the ABSF continues to represent the needs and aspirations of the entire beef industry,” he stated.

An immediate focus will be completing a new materiality assessment to guide the ABSF’s direction over the next four years.

The ABSF is industry-owned and led through peak bodies including Cattle Australia, Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, and the Australian Meat Industry Council, with Hutchinson serving as the independent chair of the Steering Group.

“We must actively share the ABSF’s work and outcomes to foster consumer and farmer pride in our remarkable industry. I aim to accomplish this by engaging throughout our value chain, beginning with our producers,” Hutchinson emphasized.

The framework operates under the supervision of an Advisory Board and the independent Steering Group, with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) providing resources and secretariat support.