The Office of the Federal Prosecutor in the State of Para, Brazil, has documented that approximately one third of cattle purchased by JBS SA in the state were derived from “irregular farms” using Amazon Rainforest land. “Irregular farms” are defined as those that have been developed with illegal deforestation and in conflict with environmental regulations and lacking regular land tenure.
The audit conducted by officials showed that 32 percent of cattle purchased by JBS SA between 2018 and 2019 were from irregular farms. In contrast, competitor Minerva SA attained 100 percent compliance and Marfrig achieved 96 percent. JBS has apparently intensified surveillance of cattle purchases by introducing blockchain technology as part of the company Transparent Livestock Platform.