JBS Investigated Over Cattle Linked to Illegal Amazon Deforestation

Summary

JBS has repeatedly faced investigations and public scrutiny over allegations that cattle in its supply chain originated from illegally deforested areas of the Amazon rainforest. Brazilian environmental authorities and investigative journalists have alleged that some cattle were routed through intermediary "clean" farms to conceal their origin before being sold to meat processors. In 2024, Brazil's environmental agency IBAMA fined meatpacking companies, including JBS, as part of a major enforcement operation targeting cattle raised on illegally deforested land in the Amazon. JBS denied purchasing cattle directly from embargoed areas and stated that it operates geospatial monitoring systems and supplier controls designed to prevent illegal sourcing. In 2025, IBAMA opened another investigation into meatpacking plants, including two operated by JBS, over alleged purchases of cattle linked to illegally cleared Amazon land. JBS stated it did not buy cattle from the farm identified by the authorities and said it would cooperate once it had access to the full inspection report. Company Response JBS states that it has a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal deforestation, uses satellite and geospatial monitoring of direct suppliers, and is working to improve traceability across its entire cattle supply chain. The company has denied knowingly purchasing cattle from embargoed or illegally deforested land. Key Facts Brazilian authorities have investigated JBS over alleged purchases of cattle linked to illegally deforested Amazon land. IBAMA has issued fines to meatpacking companies, including JBS, as part of Amazon enforcement operations. Authorities have alleged the use of intermediary "clean" farms to disguise cattle origins. JBS denies knowingly buying cattle from illegal sources and says it has strengthened supplier monitoring and traceability. Reuters – Brazil probes JBS and other beefpackers for buying cattle from deforested land https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/brazil-probes-jbs-other-beefpackers-buying-cattle-deforested-land-2025-08-29/ Associated Press – Brazil fines meatpacking companies, including giant JBS, for buying illegally raised cattle https://apnews.com/article/76bd1fe0c0f3cd77f0e5a4be8e366ab5 Reuters – Brazil's JBS vows to monitor deforestation through whole cattle supply chain https://www.reuters.com/article/world/brazils-jbs-vows-to-monitor-deforestation-through-whole-cattle-supply-chain-idUSKCN26E1U0/