The Brazilian Agricultural Research Co. (Embrapa) and Marfrig Global Foods are forging a strategic alliance to strengthen the de-commoditization of Brazilian beef through the production concepts of Carbon Neutral Beef (CNBB) and Low Carbon Brazilian Beef (LCBB), which are seals developed by Embrapa to certify beef produced using systems that neutralize or reduce the methane gas emitted by the animals, according to an announcement from Marfrig.

The initiative strengthens both the local beef market in Brazil 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, the announcement said.

“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.

The partnership represents an important advance by encouraging a link in the cattle production chain to foster development and promote the concept of a more sustainable product with consumers, the organizations said.

“Through this partnership with Embrapa, Marfrig reinforces its strategic pillar of sustainability by encouraging sustainable production and offering consumers beef with a guarantee of origin and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” Marfrig Global Foods chief executive officer Martín Secco said.

Cattle production accounts for 6.8% of Brazil's gross domestic product (GDP). From 1990 to 2015, the country’s pasture area has decreased by 12%, while meat productivity has grown by 229%.

“We also are making headway in certified sustainable production systems with a high level of animal welfare, which translates into a new leap forward in the quality of beef production,” said researcher Fabiana Villa Alves with Embrapa Beef Cattle in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul.

“Concept brands contribute directly to increasing the value of products from Brazilian agricultural and livestock producers,” she added.

Researcher Roberto Giolo de Almeida with Embrapa Beef Cattle explained that 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.

Meanwhile, 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, he said. The expectation is for products under the program to reach the market in 2019.

Embrapa, which is linked to Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery & Supply, was founded in 1973. Embrapa is a technology innovation company that focuses on generating knowledge and technology for Brazil’s agricultural industry. Since its founding, and with partners from the National Agricultural Research System, Embrapa has undertaken the challenge of developing a genuinely Brazilian model of tropical agricultural and livestock production to ensure the efficient production of food, fibers and energy in the country.

Marfrig Global Foods, one of the world’s leading beef producers, with operations in Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and the U.S., processes and markets fresh beef, beef- and pork-based ready-to-eat meals, beef byproducts and leather to the Brazilian and international markets.