August 15, 2023

Brazil beef lobby says beef industry faces sustainability and deforestation challenges

Brazil's efforts to raise cattle on smaller plots of land have led to a more sustainable beef production landscape, a positive step for the world's leading beef exporter, but concerns loom as illegal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest to accommodate livestock grazing continues, warns Brazil's beef industry advocacy group Abiec, Reuters reported.

Fernando Sampaio, Abiec's sustainability director, highlighted the ongoing struggle against illegal deforestation as the weakness of the beef industry. Pressure from consumer markets for transparent supply chains and the tracking of raw material origins, driven by climate change concerns, further exacerbates this issue.

Sampaio said that the majority of deforestation for cattle raising occurs illicitly on public land. He noted that the complexities around production and export are not in proportion to the fluctuations in deforestation rates.

The Amazon rainforest, a national treasure for Brazilians, is facing encroachment from individuals who exploit it for private gains. Sampaio detailed that the common practice involves placing cattle on these acquired lands to establish ownership.

Within the Amazon region, there are approximately 60 million hectares (148.2 million acres) of non-allocated public areas. Sampaio elaborated on the preferences of illegal land grabbers, who target conservation units, indigenous territories, settlements, and unused public lands.

The consequence of illegal deforestation goes beyond environmental concerns, tarnishing Brazil's global image and impacting its international trade relationships. Sampaio cited instances of countries like China altering consumer behaviour, combatting climate change, and launching regulated carbon markets, which indirectly affect Brazil's beef exports.

-      Reuters