JBS Announces Major Donation to Boost Cattle Traceability in Pará, Brazil
In a groundbreaking move to enhance the livestock industry, JBS has partnered with key stakeholders to donate 3 million livestock tags, aimed at improving cattle traceability in Pará, Brazil. This major initiative was revealed during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The program not only focuses on tagging the cattle but also offers support to farmers in the application process, which is essential for tracking the cattle throughout the supply chain. With its substantial cattle herd, Pará is the second-largest state in Brazil in terms of livestock, making this initiative crucial for sustainable farming practices.
Gilberto Tomazoni, JBS's Global CEO, emphasized the transformational nature of this program, stating, "Together, we are agents of transformation across the supply chain." The donation consists of 2 million tags earmarked specifically for small-scale producers, which is expected to cover about half of their projected needs for the year 2025. This allocation is made possible through collaboration with coalition partner The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which has contributed to the donation utilizing funds from the Bezos Earth Fund. The initiative’s ambitious aim is to ensure that every head of cattle in Pará is traceable by the end of 2026.
The groundwork for this project was laid in 2024 when JBS completed a pilot program where 28,000 cattle were tagged at its facilities in Marabá and Redenção. This pilot not only served to test the technology but also ensured compliance with animal transit regulations as established by the working group overseeing the project. Insights gleaned from this trial were shared with coalition partners to facilitate a smooth rollout for large-scale implementation.
The livestock sector in Brazil has been under increasing scrutiny regarding sustainable practices and environmental impact. This new initiative by JBS represents a significant step forward in addressing those challenges. The integration of technology in agriculture to promote responsible livestock management is essential not just for compliance with regulations, but also for ensuring consumer confidence in the meat supply chain.
JBS, which boasts a diversified portfolio that includes poultry, pork, beef, and even plant-based products, employs over 270,000 people worldwide, and has production units and offices across multiple continents. This global reach allows the company to influence livestock management standards on an international scale.
As JBS forges ahead with this important initiative in Pará, it sets a precedent for future efforts aimed at enhancing traceability and sustainability in the agricultural sector. This commitment to improvement underscores an evolving mindset within the livestock industry, aligning with broader environmental and social governance goals that consumers increasingly demand. The partnership among government entities, producers, and civil organizations highlights an engaging movement towards a sustainable, low-carbon cattle industry, paving the way for a transformative future in livestock management in Brazil.