The program is the result of a strategic partnership between Marfrig (one of the leading companies in beef, pork and poultry and the largest hamburger producer in the world) and IDH, a Dutch foundation that finances sustainable commodity production projects. In the first half of 2024, 106 farms from five municipalities in Mato Grosso joined the program. The goal is to reach 365 farms by 2026.

The initiative, which is receiving investments of 1.75 million euros from Marfrig and 252 thousand euros from IDH, has voluntary membership and offers livestock farmers, free of charge, guidance on production and financial management, livestock and pasture management, sanitary adjustments, environmental and land regularization, in addition to an individual animal traceability system.

"Marfrig’s goal, by investing in the Sustainable Calf Production Program, is to help promote the supply of sustainably sourced raw materials from the moment the animals are born. The initiative is part of the Verde+ Program, which the company launched four years ago to make its supply chain 100% traceable and deforestation-free. 

The Calf Program contributes to changing the dynamics of production and marketing in the livestock chain by improving results in the breeding segment in economic, environmental and social aspects", says Paulo Pianez, Sustainability Director at Marfrig and BRF.

Supporting and monitoring suppliers, especially indirect suppliers, is a challenge for the industry. Therefore, investing in initiatives such as the Sustainable Calf Production Program is an alternative to reach producers who are often in very remote and vulnerable areas.

With specialized and personalized consulting, results appear quickly. This is the case of cattle rancher Nardelli Rosa Moraes, who reports financial improvements thanks to the guidance he received. "I joined the program in January 2024 and in terms of benefits, it was very good, especially due to the dedication of the staff in serving us. Regarding fertilization, I was guided by the technician who came here to the property, looked at it, saw what my needs were and recommended the correct fertilization. This has saved me a lot of money, around 40% to 50%", says the producer, who works in partnership with his wife, Débora Maria Rigo Rosa de Moraes, on the 135 hectares of the Caolli farm, located in the Tapaiunas community, a settlement in the municipality of Juara, in the northwest region of Mato Grosso. This example inspires and encourages new people to join the program, in addition to increasing the productivity of the herd. "My neighbors say: your pasture looks like a lettuce patch, it's so green", says Moraes, who is already individually identifying the animals to track the herd since birth.

The Sustainable Calf Production Program includes commitments to expand sustainable practices by promoting environmental adequacy, increasing herd productivity, and also conserving and restoring forests. The goals include conserving more than 53,000 hectares of forests and restoring more than 1,600 hectares of forest.

"We have a program with significant impacts that qualifies us to establish new partnerships, driving evolution and expanding results with a view to transforming the livestock chain from its origins", points out Manuela Maluf Santos, interim director of IDH Brazil.

The Sustainable Calf Production Program has been in place since 2019 and has already benefited more than 600 producers in Mato Grosso. It was recently expanded to the state of Pará, the second largest herd in the country, with more than 26 million animals.