A new report reveals that Brazilian ranchers are using herbicides, including a compound from Agent Orange, to clear forests for grazing, with links to the world’s largest meatpacker.
Georgina Gustin reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Ranchers in Brazil are using herbicides to clear forests, including a compound found in Agent Orange.
- Some of the beef from these lands is sold by JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker, in major grocery chains.
- Brazilian authorities fined one rancher over $500 million for destroying 80,000 hectares using this method.
Key quote:
“A devastating new war on nature, being waged by the beef industry.”
— João Gonçalves, senior director of Mighty Earth
Why this matters:
Chemical deforestation poses a new threat to ecosystems in Brazil, particularly the Pantanal, one of the world's largest tropical wetlands. The rising global demand for beef contributes to increased environmental destruction.
