The Brazilian Programme for Leather Quality Improvement, a joint initiative between the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industries (CICB) and the Brazilian Support Service for Small and Medium Businesses (Sebrae) – has already trained 57,095 breeders, leather technicians, and university and technical school students in 23 Brazilian states.

The objective of the programme is to reduce the losses suffered by the sector (and the country) deriving from leather defects that are preventable and currently add up to almost $1 billion per year,” explained CICB vice-president for Raw Materials, Leogênio Alban. The programme was set up in 2004 and participating breeders have already seen a 30% reduction in the incidents of leather defects.

Organised in five modules (Cattle Breeders, Fleshing, University and Technical School Students, Sheep and Goats, and Exotic Skins), the programme is taught by a team of 15 consultants and 30 supporting professionals that operate all over the country.