Those who follow me here and on social media know how much I value quality content and
concrete, data-based information. For a long time, I have advocated for the existence of sustainable
livestock farming and the importance of demonstrating its efficiency with greater dedication. After
closely following Minerva Foods’ work, I became even more certain that I am on the right path.
Against facts and data, there are no arguments! I am happy to share, with solid foundations, what
I have always believed in and defended: the connection between people, food, and nature.
Minerva Foods is one of the leading companies in sustainable beef production and
commercialization in Latin America. With a strong commitment to sustainability, animal welfare,
and supply chain decarbonization, the company implements innovative strategies and responsible
practices throughout its value chain. I explored some of Minerva Foods’ initiatives, highlighting its
animal welfare programs, decarbonization projects, certifications, and advancements in
regenerative agricultural practices to demonstrate that sustainability in Brazilian livestock farming
is already a reality.
It is impossible to talk about sustainable livestock farming without discussing animal
welfare.
Today, especially on social media, impactful videos spread quickly. Isolated videos of
mistreated animals often make it seem like the exception is the rule, and we cannot accept
that.
Animal welfare (AW) is one of the core pillars of Minerva Foods’ operations. The company follows
strict protocols and international standards, such as the North American Meat Institute (NAMI),
which guide ethical and responsible handling practices in all its units. The AW compliance
framework encompasses five key domains: nutrition, health, environment, behavior, and emotions,
ensuring that animals are treated with dignity and respect. To make it even clearer:
- Nutrition: Ensures that animals have continuous access to clean water and sufficient food
to meet their nutritional needs, promoting healthy growth and preventing deficiencies. - Health: Guarantees that animals are in good physical condition, free from disease, injuries,
or unnecessary suffering. This includes preventive measures such as vaccination and proper
handling, as well as treatments when needed. - Environment: Evaluates and improves the conditions where animals live, ensuring they are
comfortable, safe, and suitable for each species. This includes appropriate space, ventilation,
temperature, and protection against weather conditions. - Behavior: Recognizes the importance of allowing animals to express their natural behaviors.
This includes access to open spaces, social interaction, and stimuli that prevent stress or
boredom. - Emotions: Considers the emotional aspects of animals, promoting conditions that reduce
stress, fear, and other negative experiences while fostering comfort, security, and overall
well-being.
Through this framework, Minerva Foods systematically evaluates its operations and suppliers,
identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring that adopted practices align with
international protocols and local regulations. In doing so, the company not only meets standards
but also leads by example, promoting comprehensive animal care across the value chain.
According to the 2023 sustainability report, 100 percent of Minerva’s industrial units are certified
under animal welfare standards. Key indicators include:
- 94.11 percent of animals stunned on the first attempt. • Over USD 806,400 invested in AW
infrastructure. • 2,700 training hours conducted for employees and third parties, including
drivers and livestock farmers.
The company is also recognized in the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare
(BBFAW), maintaining its position in Tier 3, demonstrating continuous progress in
implementing animal welfare practices. This shows that the company goes beyond the basics,
integrating animal welfare as an essential part of its business and sustainability strategy.
In summary, the BBFAW is a global benchmark for assessing and encouraging ethical and
sustainable animal treatment practices, contributing to a more responsible and transparent value
chain.
How can we talk about responsible livestock farming without addressing environmental
sustainability?
Environmental sustainability is a strategic pillar for Minerva Foods. Since 2021, the company has
been working towards ambitious goals to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by
- The Renove Program is an example of how Minerva promotes low-carbon practices, such
as Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest (ICLF) systems and degraded pasture recovery.
Carbon-Neutral Certification Projects In 2023, the Zero Carbon Impact line was launched,
featuring products certified for carbon neutrality. This project includes:
- Pre-selection of farms aligned with zero-deforestation criteria.
- Calculation of emissions from farms and industrial units.
- Certified farms continuously working to reduce emissions.
- Exportation of certified products to international markets.
Additionally, the carbon credit sourcing program reinforces Minerva’s pioneering role in
implementing regenerative practices through its subsidiary, MyCarbon.
In 2023, Minerva Foods made significant progress in mapping its supply chain. The collected data
reveals that 84.10% of purchased animals are fully pasture-raised, and 71.29% of cattle come from
pasture-based production systems, ensuring greater welfare and sustainability.
To ensure compliance with its guidelines, the company conducts regular audits and promotes
technical training for livestock farmers, totaling over 50,000 accumulated training hours over
the past few years.
Many times, we hear from other countries that we are not sustainable. Recently, we have seen
several examples of influential individuals from other countries — such as France — claiming that
our livestock farming is not sustainable. Again, against facts, there are no arguments. Our role is
to make these facts even clearer.
Minerva Foods participates in global initiatives, such as the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
(GRSB) and the ILPF Network. These partnerships strengthen knowledge exchange and promote
the large-scale adoption of sustainable practices. Among its most important certifications are: - Gold Seal from the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program for the third consecutive time.
- Internationally recognized animal welfare protocols, such as the Australian Livestock
Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System (AAWCS).
See?
Just as my commitment to you is always to provide truthful and high-quality content, Minerva Foods’
commitment to sustainability, animal welfare, and innovation establishes an exemplary model for
global livestock farming. With actions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and
a focus on regenerative practices, the company demonstrates that it is possible to balance
economic efficiency with environmental and social responsibility.
