Brazil: Report links U.S. meat supply chain to incidents of forced labour related to JBS, Minerva and Marfrig; incl. companies’ comments – Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

Report on Forced Labor in the Brazilian Cattle Industry and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

An analysis of fifteen Brazilian government inspection reports from 2013-2024 reveals severe labor exploitation and environmental degradation within Brazil’s cattle industry, directly contravening multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Forced labor, hazardous working conditions, and illegal corporate practices on ranches supplying major international companies undermine global efforts to achieve decent work, protect ecosystems, ensure responsible consumption, and promote justice. This report details how the supply chains for beef and beef tallow are linked to significant violations of SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 15, and SDG 16.

Violation of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The investigation documents systemic failures to uphold Target 8.7 (End forced labor and modern slavery) and Target 8.8 (Protect labor rights and promote safe working environments). Workers on the inspected cattle ranches are subjected to conditions characteristic of modern slavery.

• Workers are recruited under false pretenses and trapped by debt, isolation, or threats.
• Labor includes dangerous land-clearing in intense heat without personal protective equipment.
• Work weeks often exceed 60 hours with no provision for overtime pay or vacation.
• Compensation is minimal or non-existent, constituting a clear case of forced labor.
• Living conditions are egregious, with workers housed in makeshift shacks or tents with limited access to sanitary facilities and clean water, violating basic human dignity and labor rights.

Violation of SDG 15: Life on Land

The cattle industry’s operations, as documented in the report, directly conflict with SDG 15, particularly Target 15.2, which calls for an end to deforestation. The initial and most dangerous task for exploited workers is often clearing land for cattle grazing. This activity frequently occurs in ecologically vulnerable regions, contributing to deforestation and the degradation of vital ecosystems.

Violation of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The report highlights a breakdown in the rule of law and corporate governance, undermining SDG 16.5 (Substantially reduce corruption and bribery). The business practices of major meat processing companies demonstrate a disregard for both Brazilian and U.S. law.

• Executives from JBS and Marfrig have been penalized in Brazil for bribery.
• These companies have expanded into the U.S. market through acquisitions and political donations, despite convictions and allegations of illegal activities.
• The system of exploitation persists through a lack of institutional enforcement, allowing these practices to continue unabated.

Implications for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The findings demonstrate a critical failure in achieving sustainable supply chains as outlined in SDG 12. Ethically compromised beef and beef derivatives from Brazil contaminate international markets, particularly in the United States, undermining Target 12.6 (Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices).

1. Cattle Ranches: Fifteen ranches across six Brazilian states were documented using forced labor.
2. Meat Processors/Exporters: These ranches supply cattle to slaughterhouses linked to major exporters:
   • JBS
   • Minerva
   • Marfrig
   • Frigorifico Redentor
   • Cooperfrigu
3. Tallow Supply Chain: At least three ranches were connected to beef tallow facilities that supply U.S. companies, including:
   • Diamond Green Diesel
   • Aramco Americas

This tainted supply chain directly links global consumers and corporations to severe human rights abuses and environmental harm, undercutting the market for ethically produced goods and impeding progress toward responsible consumption and production patterns.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The core issue of the article is the prevalence of forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and exploitation within Brazil’s cattle industry, which directly contradicts the principles of decent work.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article mentions bribery by executives of major companies like JBS and Marfrig, pointing to corruption and a failure of justice and institutional integrity.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The report details how beef and tallow from ranches using forced labor enter global supply chains, specifically the U.S. market. This highlights unsustainable and unethical production and consumption patterns.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The living conditions of the workers are described as egregious, with “limited access to water or sanitary facilities,” which is a direct concern of SDG 6.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 8.7: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking…” The article’s central theme is the documentation of “forced labor” on Brazilian cattle ranches, where workers are unable to leave due to debt or threats.
• Target 8.8: “Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers…” The article explicitly describes violations of this target, noting that workers “engage in dangerous labor without personal protective equipment,” work “over 60 hours a week” with no overtime, and endure precarious living conditions.
• Target 16.5: “Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.” This target is directly addressed by the statement that “JBS and Marfrig executives have been penalized in Brazil for bribery.”
• Target 12.6: “Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices…” The article critiques companies like JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig for their role in a supply chain tainted by forced labor, implying a failure to adopt sustainable and ethical practices.
• Target 6.1: “By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.” The article implies this target is not being met for workers on the ranches, who have “limited access to water.”
• Target 6.2: “By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all…” The description of workers’ living conditions, with “limited… sanitary facilities,” points to a failure to meet this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 8.7.1: “Proportion and number of victims of forced labour…” The article provides qualitative evidence for this indicator by documenting forced labor on fifteen specific ranches, identifying it as a “pervasive” feature of the industry.
• Indicator 8.8.1: “Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries…” While not providing statistics, the article implies a high risk of injury by stating that workers perform “dangerous labor without personal protective equipment.” The grueling conditions and long hours also contribute to health and safety risks.
• Indicator 16.5.2: “Proportion of businesses that… paid a bribe…” The article provides a direct example relevant to this indicator by mentioning that executives from JBS and Marfrig were “penalized in Brazil for bribery.”
• Indicator 6.1.1 & 6.2.1: “Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services” and “Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services.” The article’s description of “limited access to water or sanitary facilities” for workers serves as a qualitative measure indicating a lack of access for this specific population group.

Summary Table of Findings

Source: business-humanrights.org