57% of BRF's poultry production uses clean energy

Low-carbon agribusiness and increased use of renewable energy are part of the Company's Sustainability Platform

BRF, one of the world's largest food companies and owner of the Sadia, Perdigão and Qualy brands, is progressing in low-carbon agriculture and using renewable energy. 57% of the Company's poultry is already produced using photovoltaic solar energy. The amount of solar energy generated by these sites could supply a city of around 200,000 inhabitants. 

Low-carbon agribusiness and increased use of renewable energy are part of the Climate Change pillar of BRF's Sustainability Platform. To mitigate its effects, the Company has been implementing a structured plan to reduce emissions in scopes 1, 2 and 3, contributing to worldwide efforts against global warming. The action plan is also based on two other work fronts: sustainable grain purchasing - the Company already has 100% traceability of grain from direct suppliers in the Amazon and Cerrado and has advanced to 77% of indirect suppliers in these biomes - and increased operational efficiency, which includes new effluent and waste treatment technologies.  

BRF currently works with 9,500 integrated producers in Brazil and Turkey. Nationwide, they are distributed in seven states and supply 24 chicken, turkey and pig units. The Company provides them with the animals, feed, technical assistance, transportation, slaughter and all the products needed to raise the animals. In return, the partners provide facilities that adhere to standards of hygiene, labor, animal welfare and quality of life. To encourage the adoption of solar energy, BRF has signed an agreement with Banco do Brasil to provide R$200 million in easy financing, with lower interest rates, to finance investments in installing photovoltaic panels on farms while providing commercial, technical and legal support. In addition, producers with photovoltaic plants installed on their properties can improve their income by scoring points in the Company's Programa Integrado Destaque (Outstanding Integrated Program).  

Saving 95% on energy costs: Álvaro José Baccin, a BRF integrated producer in Toledo (PR) and an agronomist with an MBA in Business Management from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and UNICAMP, says that he and his wife, also an integrated producer, had been studying the topic for around five years. "We wanted to contribute to a better life on the planet. The possibility of generating energy from a natural and renewable source, fighting climate change, helps meet the UN's sustainable development goals," he says.  Economic viability was also a factor in the decision, with conditions facilitated by government incentives and the support of BRF itself, which has approved companies that offer high-tech products for the entire process of implementing the photovoltaic plant, including design, equipment and installation. Energy costs, which previously amounted to R$12,000 monthly, fell to less than R$400 a month. "I notice that many regional producers, including fish and pig farmers, already produce with solar energy. Those who haven't yet invested in clean energy should think about it," he adds.  

Reducing emissions  

Concerning Climate Change, BRF ended the last cycle with a 21% reduction in total emissions linked to Scopes 1 and 2 compared to the 2019 baseline, mainly due to prioritizing renewable energy consumption with proven traceability. The Company has established a commitment to reduce 35% of Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions) and Scope 2 emissions (emissions from purchased electricity) by 2030 and 12.3% of Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions in the value chain).   

About BRF   

One of the largest food companies in the world, BRF is present in more than 120 countries. Its purpose is to offer increasingly tasty and practical quality food - for people and their pets all over the world - through the sustainable management of its chain, from farm to fork. Owner of iconic brands such as Sadia, Perdigão and Qualy, the company bases its actions on the fundamental commitments of safety, quality and integrity. The company bases its strategy on a long-term vision and aims to generate value for almost 100,000 employees worldwide, more than 415,000 customers and approximately 9,000 integrated producers in Brazil, all its shareholders and society.