Embrapa and Marfrig partner to reduce methane gas emitted by animals

Marfrig Global Foods has joined forces with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa) as part of an initiative that aims to reduce the amount of methane gas emitted by animals.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the de-commoditisation of Brazilian beef through production concepts known as Carbon Neutral Brazilian Beef (CNBB) and Low Carbon Brazilian Beef (LCBB).

The LCBB and CNBB seals were developed by Embrapa and are intended to certify that the beef has been produced using systems that neutralise or reduce the methane gas.

Embrapa Beef Cattle researcher Roberto Giolo de Almeida noted that CNBB is produced using integrated systems combined with planted trees, which are responsible for sequestering carbon and potentially neutralising the methane emitted from grass-fed animals.

On the other hand, LCBB can be produced using integrated systems with pastures without requiring the presence of trees.

Instead, LCBB relies on proper pasture management to fixes carbon in the soil, which allows the solution to reduce or mitigate animal emissions.

Beef produced under the initiative is expected to reach the market next year.

Embrapa Innovation and Technology director Cleber Soares 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.”

The latest development is expected to strengthen both local and international beef market segments, especially in more demanding markets, by singling out Brazilian beef during negotiations on non-tariff barriers relating to sustainability issues.

Marfrig Global Foods CEO Martín Secco 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.”