Environmental, social and governance impacts of beef production systems: an integrated literature review

Abstract

Beef production systems have been evolving for more than a millennium with a primary focus on increasing efficiency. Recently, environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns have become another key focus due to societal, consumer and regulatory pressures. We identify the temporal evolution of various beef production systems. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we assessed the ESG impacts of eight systems across five domains: natural capital; social capital; human capital; produced capital; and governance. This analysis includes 98 articles. Additionally, we conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. Regenerative grazing ranks high while landless industrialized system ranks low on all performance metrics. Silvopasture and pasture-based systems excel in community engagement. Biodynamic farming, certified organic and regenerative systems support livelihoods and demonstrate robust governance structures with active stakeholder engagement. Landless industrialized systems demonstrate strong corporate governance. This study provides policymakers with insights on promoting sustainable and ethical beef production practices.