Brazilian meat giant JBS enters into the biofertilizer industry

The Brazilian group JBS, the world's largest meat processor, started the production of fertilizers from its operational waste, marking its entry into this new segment. Located in Guaiçara, in the interior of the state of São Paulo, the Campo Forte Fertilizantes plant will have the capacity to manufacture 150,000 tons of these bio-inputs per year. 

The plant, which required an investment of about US$ 30 million, enables the company to enter this agricultural market, making it the first Brazilian food producer to use the waste generated in the company's operations to manufacture fertilizers. 

“Esta inauguración refuerza el propósito sostenible de JBS y es una iniciativa más de economía circular del Grupo, que dará un destino correcto a los residuos de sus operaciones, generando un producto con valor añadido, a partir de un proceso industrial altamente tecnológico y sostenible”, comenta Susana Carvalho, Directora Ejecutiva de JBS Nuevos Negocios.

Campo Forte will produce a complete line of organic, organo-mineral and special fertilizers, from the use of organic residues and mineral raw materials, as a result of a high investment in innovation. 

To the farmer, Campo Forte will deliver a line of fertilizers that promotes increased productivity, improves nutrients and reduces losses, with less impact on the environment. Initially, the company will prioritize sales efforts for soybeans, corn, coffee, sugarcane, fruit and vegetable crops, as well as pastures and forests. Organic fertilizers can be applied in organic farming.

“Hoy en día, el 87% del volumen de fertilizantes que se consume en Brasil procede de las importaciones. Esto supone una gran oportunidad de expansión para la empresa”, afirma Susana.

The initiative expands JBS's role in the circular economy, in line with the company's Net Zero 2040 commitment, and is the result of a study launched in 2016 to identify how to make the most of waste from operations.