Latin America could provide 70% of the meat needed in 2032

This is one of the main conclusions drawn from the Mercosur Meat Forum, which ended on Friday, December 22, and based on the environmental initiatives that some countries have begun to take.

The Latin American region, a leading net food exporter, faces significant challenges to the world's food prospects and has a responsibility to promote global food security, especially animal protein, as well as the ability to effectively contribute to achieving SDG 2 (Sustainable Development Goal), in balance with the environment within the framework of the Paris Agreement and the socio-economic development of the region.

“The biggest challenge posed by the 2032 food outlook (OECD-FAO) is that we will have to produce food for 8.6 billion people, and developing, socially more vulnerable countries are the ones that are all more require more animal protein. In this sense, the Organization created by producer organizations and the meat industry of the region assures that an additional trade of 2 million tons of beef is expected, and it is to this that Latin American countries are able to contribute at least 70% of our sustainable production systems,” said the participants forum.

On the other hand, they questioned the opposition to environmental initiatives and regulations being promoted by important trading blocs such as the European Union ( EU ) and meat-producing and trading countries, both in international forums and through unilateral actions. 

“Product chain models are not unique, it is necessary to recognize legal norms and sustainable systems such as those in our region, which are very different from European ones, among other things, and any measures that lead to increased protectionism should be avoided in order to be able to satisfy the above-mentioned food needs,” the forum participants emphasized in the final document.

They also explained that: “We support science-based solutions that promote sustainable technology-based productivity growth and the production of quality, safe and affordable animal protein.”

The document was signed by: Argentine Rural Confederations (CRA); Argentine Meat Exporters Consortium (ABC); Argentine Rural Society (SRA); Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Companies (ABIEC); Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA); Brazilian Rural Society (SRB); Association of the Refrigeration Industry of Uruguay (ADIFU), Rural Association of Uruguay (ARU); Chamber of the Refrigeration Industry of Uruguay (CIF); Rural Federation (FR); The Rural Association of Paraguay (ARP) and the Paraguayan Meat Chamber (CPC).