PR - CARBON NEUTRAL BRAZILIAN BEEF: AN ANALYSIS OF ITS ECONOMIC VIABILITY FOR LIVESTOCK SUSTAINABLE INTENSIFICATION

Abstract

This study analyses the economic viability of Carbon Neutral Brazilian Beef (CNBB), proposed by EMBRAPA, as an alternative for sustainable intensification of beef farming in Brazil. A 12-year cash flow was built for two integrated crop- livestock-forestry systems (ICLF) in the Cerrado region, following the guidelines of CNBB protocol. Both included soybean and cattle, but ICLF1 had 227 eucalyptus trees/ha while ICLF2 had 357 eucalyptus trees/ha. Investment analysis showed both systems were economically viable, with ICLF1, with less trees, performing better than ICLF2. Two scenarios under CNBB protocol, considering premium beef prices and costs assumed either by farmers or by the meat processing companies, indicate CNBB can add value to beef production and generate additional income, while contributing to the environment and to animal welfare. Further analyses must follow, to set the guidelines for additional development of the CNBB market.

Keywords: Agroforestry; Economic analysis; Integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems; Silvopastoral systems; Sustainable farming systems.