Brazil's Soy & Beef Traceability: 10 Key Steps

What did the WRI Brasil study find about traceability?

Researchers from WRI Brasil analyzed 21 monitoring and socio-environmental traceability initiatives — 10 focused on soy supply chains and 11 on beef production. The study, titled Tracking Responsibility: Strengthening Deforestation Monitoring in Brazil's Soy and Beef Supply Chains, was released on Tuesday (28) and concludes that Brazil already has advanced monitoring capacity but urgently needs to integrate its existing tools.

Which biomes are covered?

The initiatives examined target production processes in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes — the two ecosystems most affected by agricultural expansion. The study aims to help Brazil meet growing international market demands for proof of deforestation-free supply chains.

What are the 10 key recommendations?

• Use the rural property as the basic unit of monitoring.
• Rely on official, scientifically validated government data sources.
• Verify compliance with the Brazilian Forest Code and absence of forced-labor violations.
• Implement independent third-party audits and publish transparency reports.
• Expand monitoring to all biomes, not just Amazon and Cerrado.
• Ensure no illegal deforestation occurred under the 2008 Marco Temporal baseline.
• Promote zero deforestation after August 2020, in line with national commitments.
• Establish mechanisms to monitor entire supply chains, including indirect suppliers.
• Develop systems to reintegrate non-compliant suppliers after corrective actions are proven.
• Set up participatory, multi-sector management and improvement oversight.

Why does this matter for global markets?

WRI Brasil's Forests and Land Use Program director Mariana Oliveira says improved traceability can support a more sustainable model of territorial development in rural Brazil. Researchers also believe the recommendations can align financial institutions, producers and regulators around shared responsibility — noting that some Brazilian financial institutions already cross-check official and unofficial databases when assessing rural borrowers.