07/12/2017 14:21
Since the 2000s, accelerated growth in consumption of animal protein in emerging countries, especially China, has driven the production of feed grains in Brazil. Moreover, Brazil is one of the largest producers, exporters and consumers of meat and feed grains in the world. This report charts Brazil’s rise (through transnational corporations) to the top of the global meat complex. The complex continues to consolidate and expand at a tremendous cost to the social fabric and ecosystems where it operates. Because of its global nature, it also presents global environmental and public health challenges of the highest order, including the sector’s significant contribution to climate change, antibiotic resistance and highly pathogenic strains of influenza and other viruses. This publication was made with the support of various individuals and organizations, including the collaboration of Diana Aguiar and Letícia Tura of the NGO Fase.