How We Ensure Sustainable Meat Production in Brazil

Sustainable meat production in Brazil. As the world’s largest beef exporter, Brazil plays a pivotal role in global food security. However, with great influence comes great responsibility. At our farm, inspired by innovative Brazilian operations like Green Farming, we are committed to sustainable meat production in Brazil, balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. Our eco-friendly practices, from rotational grazing to carbon-neutral goals, reflect the growing demand for Brazilian sustainable agriculture. In this blog post, we’ll explore how we ensure sustainable meat production, aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) trends and meeting the needs of environmentally conscious consumers.

The Importance of Sustainable Meat Production in Brazil

Brazil’s beef industry is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing 8.5% to the national GDP in 2019 and accounting for nearly 30% of global beef exports in 2022. With a cattle herd exceeding 200 million, the sector faces scrutiny for its environmental impact, particularly deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. Consumers and international markets increasingly demand eco-friendly beef farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preserve biodiversity.

Sustainable meat production addresses these challenges by optimizing resources, reducing emissions, and promoting ethical farming. Our farm embraces these principles, drawing inspiration from Brazil’s Low Carbon Agriculture Plan (ABC Plan) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). By adopting innovative techniques, we ensure that carbon-neutral meat production is not just a goal but a reality.

Our Eco-Friendly Practices for Sustainable Meat Production

1. Rotational Grazing for Soil Health and Productivity

Rotational grazing is at the heart of our eco-friendly beef farming strategy. Unlike traditional grazing, where cattle continuously graze a single pasture, rotational grazing involves moving livestock between paddocks to allow grass to recover. This practice improves soil health, enhances carbon sequestration, and boosts pasture productivity.

• How It Works: We divide our pastures into smaller sections and rotate cattle based on grass growth cycles. This ensures that pastures are not overgrazed, reducing soil erosion and promoting biodiversity.
• Benefits: Rotational grazing has increased our stocking rate from 1 animal unit per hectare (AU/ha) to 3 AU/ha, aligning with sustainable intensification trends in Brazilian sustainable agriculture. Healthier soils also sequester more carbon, contributing to our carbon-neutral meat goals.
• Inspiration: Green Farming’s success with rotational grazing inspired us to implement similar systems, tailored to our local biome in Mato Grosso.

By prioritizing soil health, we reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, lower our environmental footprint, and produce high-quality beef.

2. Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry Systems (ICLFS)

One of Brazil’s most promising innovations in sustainable meat production is the Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry System (ICLFS). We’ve adopted this model to combine cattle ranching with crop cultivation and tree planting, creating a synergistic ecosystem.

• How It Works: Our farm integrates Brachiaria grass for cattle grazing, soybean crops for additional revenue, and eucalyptus trees for carbon sequestration and timber. The trees provide shade, improving animal welfare, while their roots enrich the soil with nitrogen.
• Benefits: Between 2010 and 2015, Brazil expanded ICLFS to 11.47 million hectares, sequestering 35.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Our farm contributes to this effort, reducing methane emissions and enhancing biodiversity. Younger cattle raised in these systems produce higher-quality beef with lower GHG emissions per kilogram.
• Alignment with ESG Trends: ICLFS supports environmental conservation, social benefits like job creation, and economic viability, making it a cornerstone of Brazilian sustainable agriculture.

This integrated approach minimizes deforestation pressure, a critical factor given that cattle ranching is linked to 40% of deforested areas in Mato Grosso.

3. Carbon-Neutral Meat Production with EMBRAPA Protocols

Achieving carbon-neutral meat is a priority for us, guided by EMBRAPA’s Carbon Neutral Meat (CCN) and Low-Carbon Meat (CBC) protocols. These frameworks help us measure and mitigate emissions while maintaining productivity.

• CCN Protocol: For pastures with trees, we follow the CCN protocol, which offsets enteric methane emissions through carbon sequestration in trees and soil. Our eucalyptus plantations, inspired by EMBRAPA’s 2020 certified Carbon Neutral Beef brand, absorb significant CO2, balancing emissions from our cattle.
• CBC Protocol: In treeless pastures, we implement the CBC protocol, validated by EMBRAPA from 2019 to 2021. This involves efficient pasture management, such as regular soil fertility analysis, weed control, and optimized stocking rates. These practices reduce emissions while increasing weight gain per hectare.
• Results: Our farm has achieved a 20% reduction in GHG emissions per kilogram of beef, aligning with Brazil’s commitment to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 under the Global Methane Pledge.

By adhering to these protocols, we ensure that our beef meets the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers and international markets.

4. Traceability and Compliance with the Brazilian Forest Code

Transparency is key to sustainable meat production in Brazil. We use the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR), a mandatory electronic database that monitors land use and ensures compliance with the Brazilian Forest Code. This code requires us to preserve at least 20% of our land for native vegetation, with up to 80% in sensitive areas like the Amazon.

• Traceability Systems: Through the Agri Trace Animal Traceability platform, we track cattle from birth to slaughter, ensuring no link to deforested land. This is crucial for compliance with the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation.
• Benefits: Full traceability builds trust with consumers and retailers, enhancing our market access. It also helps us avoid penalties, as non-compliance with the Forest Code restricts access to rural credit.

Our commitment to traceability sets us apart in a market where only the largest meatpackers, like JBS and Marfrig, currently achieve high traceability levels.

5. Methane Reduction and Animal Welfare

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation are a significant challenge in beef production. We tackle this through improved genetics, better feed, and animal welfare practices.

• Selective Breeding: By using breeds that grow faster and emit less methane, we reduce the time cattle spend on the farm, lowering overall emissions.
• Improved Diets: We supplement pasture with by-products like corn silage and citrus pulp, which improve digestion and reduce methane output.
• Animal Welfare: Inspired by Green Farming’s “bovine spa” concept, we provide shade, clean water, and stress-free environments, leading to healthier cattle and higher-quality beef.

These practices align with consumer demand for ethically produced carbon-neutral meat and support Brazil’s Zero Methane Program, which funds methane reduction initiatives.

Challenges and Opportunities in Brazilian Sustainable Agriculture

While our farm has made significant strides, challenges remain. Smallholder farmers often lack access to the capital and technical assistance needed for sustainable intensification. Public policies like the ABC Plan offer low-cost loans, but only 6.2% of rural credit in 2022/23 was dedicated to low-carbon agriculture. Scaling up initiatives like ICLFS and traceability systems requires greater collaboration between government, private sector, and farmers.

However, opportunities abound. The global demand for eco-friendly beef farming is growing, with consumers willing to pay a premium for certified carbon-neutral meat. High-integrity carbon markets could also provide additional revenue through carbon credits, incentivizing further emission reductions. Our farm is exploring partnerships with programs like Innovative Finance for the Amazon, Cerrado, and Chaco to access deforestation-free finance mechanisms.

Why Choose Our Sustainable Beef?

By choosing our beef, you support a farm that prioritizes sustainable meat production in Brazil. Our practices—rotational grazing, ICLFS, carbon-neutral protocols, traceability, and methane reduction—reflect a commitment to environmental preservation, animal welfare, and economic viability. We’re proud to contribute to Brazilian sustainable agriculture, ensuring that our beef is not only delicious but also responsibly produced.

Conclusion

Sustainable meat production in Brazil is more than a trend—it’s a necessity. At our farm, we’re proving that eco-friendly beef farming can thrive without compromising the environment or profitability. By adopting innovative practices and aligning with ESG goals, we’re helping Brazil maintain its position as a global leader in carbon-neutral meat production. Join us in supporting Brazilian sustainable agriculture and make a difference with every bite.

Sources:

• Bain & Company, “Brazil’s Path to Sustainable Cattle Farming”
• EMBRAPA, “Carbon Neutral Brazilian Beef”
• World Economic Forum, “How Brazil Can Become a Sustainable Beef Exporter”
• Brazilian Farmers, “EMBRAPA Validates Technical Guidelines for Low-Carbon Meat Production”