Embrapa partners with Marfrig to reduce methane emissions in cattle
Embrapa developed the Carbon Neutral Beef (CNBB) and Low Carbon Brazilian Beef (LCBB) seals to certify that beef produced using systems that neutralize or reduce the methane gas emitted by the animals.
Through this alliance, the two companies hope to strenghthen both the local beef market and the market for beef exports, especially to more demanding markets, by differentiating Brazilian beef in negotiations of non-tariff barriers related to sustainability issues.
“Through this partnership, Embrapa and Marfrig will help position Brazilian beef at a whole new level of value perception in the local and international markets, which are increasingly demanding sustainable production practices, from animal welfare to integrated systems that help to reduce greenhouse gases,” said Cleber Soares, director of innovation and technology at Embrapa.
Furthermore, Embrapa said in a statement that this partnership represents an important advance by encouraging an important link in the cattle production chain to foster development and promote the concept of a more sustainable product with consumers.
Cattle production accounts for 6.8% of Brazilian GDP. From 1990 to 2015, the country’s pasture area has decreased by 12%, while meat productivity has grown 229%.
Researcher Roberto Giolo de Almeida from Embrapa Beef Cattle explains that carbon neutral Brazilian beef (CNBB) is produced using integrated systems combined with planted trees, which are responsible for sequestering carbon and for potentially neutralizing the methane emissions from the grass-fed animals, while also providing thermal comfort for the cattle.
Low carbon Brazilian beef (LCBB) can be produced using integrated systems with pastures without the presence of trees, but with proper pasture management that fixes carbon in the soil, enabling the system to reduce or mitigate animal emissions.
Embrapa expects products under the program to reach the market in 2019.
Embrapa is a technology innovation company that focuses on generating knowledge and technology for Brazil’s agricultural industry.
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