Brazil audit deal curbs Amazon-linked cattle buying
A settlement between Brazilian prosecutors and major meatpackers has sharply reduced cattle sourcing from illegally deforested areas of the Amazon, Reuters reported, citing newly released audits.
The agreement, known as TAC da Carne, requires companies to audit direct cattle suppliers across six states. While indirect suppliers remain unmonitored, the audits show clear progress: only 4% of cattle purchases by participating firms showed irregularities in 2022, compared to 52% among non-audited companies.
Meat giants JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig now use independent auditors. JBS improved compliance in Pará from 68% in 2020 to 97% in 2022.
Prosecutor Daniel Azeredo said the data show strong progress, but warned illegal cattle still enter supply chains via indirect routes.
“We must recognise challenges remain,” he said.
