JBS's Commitment to Traceability and Sustainability
With a generous investment exceeding US$ 7 million, JBS is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing cattle traceability and bolstering support for small producers in Pará. This groundbreaking endeavor seeks to ensure the integrity of the cattle supply chain by tracing the region's entire herd of cattle and buffaloes by the end of 2026.
Expanding the Traceability Program
The company recently announced its commitment while showcasing its initiatives during an important gathering for sustainable meat and leather in Pará. JBS has donated 2 million ear tags to facilitate the tracking of cattle, underpinning a larger state initiative designed to promote responsible production practices.
Collaborative Efforts Towards Sustainable Agriculture
The program represents a powerful coalition that includes efforts from various stakeholders, such as the government, producers, civil society, and industry players. In a significant move within this collaborative framework, JBS has allocated US$ 5 million towards the Traceability Accelerator Program designed to foster adoption of animal identification tags among its suppliers.
Supporting Local Producers
As part of the initiative, JBS has provided 175 readers to the Pará State Agricultural Defense Agency (Adepará). This technology is vital for collecting data from the identification tags, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of cattle within the second-largest herd in Brazil.
Enhancing Livestock Management in Pará
The Accelerator Program initially focuses on the Southeast region of Pará, specifically bridging the municipalities of Marabá and Santana do Araguaia. Expert teams conduct site visits to engage local farmers directly, facilitating their involvement in the traceability process. This approach not only covers the training of traceability operators accredited by the State of Pará but also has the potential to scale significantly, aiming for up to 2 million traceable tags.
Future Expansion Plans
JBS is not stopping here. Collaborations with Adepará and TNC have paved the way for future expansion into various regions, including the Southwest and Lower Amazon. There is also considerable interest in replicating this successful model beyond Pará.
The JBS Green Offices Initiative
In addition to traceability efforts, JBS has heavily invested in the Green Offices program, contributing an additional US$ 2 million since its inception in 2021. The Green Offices aim to provide specialized support for small producers regarding environmental regularization of their rural properties. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that farmers can comply with environmental standards while still operating sustainably.
Helping Producers Navigate Regulations
The goal of JBS's Green Offices is to assist rural producers from the registration phase all the way to confirming compliance in the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR). The offices help producers navigate the complexities of environmental regulations, enabling them to reclaim their commercial viability and access supportive requalification programs.
Impact and Achievements Since 2021
Since launching the Green Offices program, JBS has successfully regularized 18,042 farms, promoting sustainable practices across vast areas of land. Additionally, approximately 7,005 hectares are currently being restored to enhance environmental balance.
Conclusion
Through these significant investments and strategic partnerships, JBS is leading the charge to create a more sustainable and traceable livestock industry while empowering small producers. This innovative approach not only highlights the company's commitment to sustainable practices but also sets a precedent for the broader agricultural sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JBS's investment in traceability focused on?
JBS has invested over US$ 7 million in traceability and support for small producers, aiming to track the entire herd of cattle and buffaloes in Pará.
How does the Traceability Accelerator Program work?
This program encourages the use of identification tags for cattle amongst suppliers and has already distributed millions of tags and readers to aid this process.
What is the JBS Green Offices initiative?
The Green Offices program offers essential support for small producers, particularly in environmental regularization, ensuring compliance with agricultural standards.
How many farms have been regularized by the JBS Green Offices?
As of now, 18,042 farms have been regularized, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
What regions are targeted for future expansion?
Future expansions are planned for areas such as Southwest Pará and the Lower Amazon, with a vision to replicate the model in other states.
