In a significant move in the dynamic between beef production in Brazil and deforestation in the Amazon, this week Marfrig - one of the biggest producers of beef products in the world - issued a statement that they will stop buying beef ranched on deforested areas in the Amazon.
Cattle ranching is the biggest cause of Amazon deforestation. In our report Slaughtering the Amazon, we uncovered evidence showing that Marfrig was supplied by cattle farms active in recent and illegal deforestation in the heart of the rainforest.
Along with Bertin and JBS, Marfrig controls 50% of Brazil's beef exports market, and nearly 90% of the UK's processed beef comes from these 3 companies Marfrig claims to be the fourth largest producer of beef and beef products in the world, and supplies Tescos and Lidl in the UK, as well as a range of ready meal manufacturers. This is a big shift.
Rivals Bertin have already come under severe pressure from campaigners, and from the Brazilian state prosecutor who has launched a billion dollar lawsuit against the several farms and slaughter houses in Brazil, including facilities belonging to Bertinover illegal deforestation. Marfrig's move is great news, both because a major supplier supporting a moratorium on the beef which drives deforestation, not only means less pressure for forest clearance, it also means that Bertin and JBS are coming under increased pressure to follow Marfrig's lead.
