Interoperability remains a key barrier in traceability, as many supply chain actors rely on incompatible tracking systems that restrict data flow. Establishing an interoperable traceability data framework would help overcome these challenges—much like the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) has done for the seafood sector. Such a framework would foster greater trust, streamline regulatory compliance (e.g., EUDR), and strengthen the credibility of sustainability claims across global supply chains.
In 2022, Wholechain and Rever worked with GS1 to publish a Data Framework for Interoperable Electronic Traceability for Deforestation-Free Cattle in Brazil. Building on this initial thinking, on March 19th, 2025, Better Food Future held virtual and live summits to establish a Global Data Standard for Beef and Leather Traceability. The discussion was led by WWF, RFLCT, FAI Farms, Institute of Food Technologists (“IFT”) and a leadership group of buyers and brands across the fashion and beef industries to broaden the Data Framework to a more global scope. This group has been initially piloting the approach in Brazil and Australia and engaging funders to support a 12- to 18-month implementation to formalize the standard and prove its utility in beef and leather supply chains.
Key objectives for the summits included aligning on the need for a beef and leather traceability standard: the definition of traceability, as well as agreeing on a roadmap for implementation. Over 90 participants from the beef and leather sectors — representing major brands, industry organizations, and raw material suppliers — attended the virtual summit. The webinar also mapped participants’ interest in engaging with the five proposed workstreams:
Traceability Framework Development
Implement Pilots with Wholechain
Establish the Verification Test
Industry Adoption and Advocacy
Establish Governance for the Standard
Of post-event survey respondents, we had great receptivity to participation in the process — especially on framework development, pilot testing, driving industry adoption and governance.
Over 40 participants representing beef, leather and seafood attended the live summit. The live summit included representatives from GDST and IFT to provide insights into how the standard was created in seafood, how it operates, and how it achieved such traction; certifier Global Seafood Alliance provided insights into how GDST integrates with Certification and two representatives from the seafood industry (retailer Wegman’s and supplier Culinary Collaborations) shared how data standards can be applied to market actors.
Moving forward, the project will follow Better Food Future’s 5-Step Process to Accelerate Impact, applying this cross-category process specifically to beef and leather:
We are excited to continue this journey with you and greatly appreciate your dedication to advancing transparent, credible, and sustainable supply chains. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to reach out to us on betterfoodfuture.org.
