Brazil’s New Beef Certification Tackles Deforestation in Supply Chains
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📰 The quick summary: Brazil introduces the world’s first certification system for deforestation-free beef, providing transparency in supply chains and helping companies comply with international regulations like the EU’s deforestation law.
📈 One key stat: In the Amazon, 90% of areas deforested between 1985 and 2023 became pasture, highlighting why this new certification system is crucial for curbing forest loss driven by cattle ranching.
💬 One key quote: “We’re not reinventing the wheel; we’re giving visibility to processes that already exist,” said Marina Guyot, Imaflora’s executive manager for climate, land use and public policy.
1️⃣ The big picture: Brazil has launched the Beef on Track (BoT) label, the first certification system in the world specifically designed to guarantee deforestation-free beef. Created by the Institute of Forest and Agricultural Management and Certification (Imaflora), this voluntary certification builds on existing monitoring protocols rather than creating new systems from scratch. The label features four certification tiers – bronze, silver, gold, and platinum – with increasingly strict requirements regarding deforestation and supply chain monitoring. Originally created to meet demand from Chinese importers, the certification may also help companies comply with the European Union’s regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), which has been delayed until late 2026.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This new certification system brings unprecedented transparency to Brazil’s beef industry, which has been a major driver of deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado regions. By building on existing protocols, it creates practical pathways for companies to demonstrate their commitment to deforestation-free beef production. Research shows that zero-deforestation commitments in the cattle industry help decrease forest clearing, and this label incentivizes monitoring of both direct and indirect suppliers – addressing a crucial gap in current systems. The highest certification tier meets the requirements of the EU’s deforestation regulation, potentially opening more sustainable export markets for Brazilian producers while protecting vital ecosystems.
3️⃣ What’s next: Imaflora plans to start selling BoT-certified beef by February 2026, with the Tianjin Meat Association in China committing to purchase at least 50,000 tons by June. The organization will launch a European roadshow in 2026 to build interest among importers and retailers. Auditing systems must also be established to verify compliance and ensure the certification’s credibility.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – In Brazil, a new label gives more visibility to deforestation-free beef
