June 2, 2011

Marfrig collaborates with South American NGO

A contract to protect native grasslands where cattle graze has been signed between Brazil's Marfrig Alimentos S.A. and an environmental NGO which embodies four South American countries, according to the media.

The group, Alianza del Pastizal, includes representatives from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, reached an agreement over the weekend with Marfrig to protect unique and native grasses in the fertile South American lowlands known as the Pampas. This area covers more than 289,577 square miles and includes provinces in Argentina, most of Uruguay and Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul.

The new partnership will work towards conservation of native grasslands in the Pampas by bringing Marfrig's cattle-care guidelines in line with environmental best practices for that region. The two sides also will help member companies in the Programa Marfrig Club become certified by the Alianza del Pastizal, which can give those companies better standing with trade partners abroad.