The Country Natural Beef cooperative is losing members as the high price of beef lures some producers back to traditional sales outlets.
The Country Natural Beef cooperative is losing members as the high price of beef lures some producers back to traditional sales outlets.
The cooperative hopes consumers will pay a premium for meat raised under guidelines for sustainability. But the high price of beef generally has cut into the advantage the branded product enjoys.
Adding to costs are added requirements from some retail buyers for new third-party certifications of animal care practices and sustainable production, marketing director Stacy Davies said.
Davies said the co-op that began in Eastern Oregon is considering adjusting some requirements and working with retailers to streamline their demands.
Davies said the co-op needs an additional 6,000 head to meet its demand over the next 12 months, or 10 percent of its orders.
Read more at The Register-Guard.
{biztweet}sustainable beef{/biztweet}
