Key Takeaways
- JBS has partnered with stakeholders to donate 3 million livestock tags to enhance cattle traceability in Pará, Brazil.
- The program aims to track every head of cattle in Pará—the state with Brazil’s second-largest herd—by the end of 2026.
- 2 million tags are allocated to small-scale producers, with funding support from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Bezos Earth Fund.
- A 28,000-head pilot program in 2024 provided valuable insights for large-scale implementation.
- The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
Enhancing Cattle Traceability
A Bold Initiative for Pará
JBS, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has donated 3 million livestock tags to support the State of Pará’s initiative to track every head of cattle by 2026. This program addresses Pará’s status as home to Brazil’s second-largest cattle herd and aims to revolutionize livestock management and sustainability across the region.
Focus on Small-Scale Producers
Out of the donated tags, 2 million are allocated exclusively to small-scale producers, addressing half of their projected 2025 needs in Pará. This support is funded by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with backing from the Bezos Earth Fund, which committed at COP28 to help launch the program. The remaining tags are provided by JBS.
Collaborative Efforts and Pilot Program
Announcement at Davos
The program was announced during the panel discussion “From Davos to Belém: Defining Brazil’s Path to a Sustainable, Low-Carbon Cattle Industry” at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. “This represents a collaborative effort between government, producers, civil society, and industry leaders,” said Gilberto Tomazoni, JBS Global CEO. “Together, we are agents of transformation across the supply chain.”
Insights from the Pilot Program
In 2024, JBS conducted a 28,000-head tagging pilot program at its Marabá and Redenção facilities. This initiative evaluated tagging technology and ensured compliance with animal transit requirements. Insights from the pilot have been shared with coalition partners to facilitate large-scale implementation.
Scaling Sustainable Livestock Management
The livestock tagging program by JBS underscores its commitment to sustainable and low-carbon cattle farming. By focusing on small-scale producers and leveraging pilot program insights, JBS and its partners aim to enhance transparency, improve traceability, and support Pará’s ambitious goals for a sustainable cattle industry.
