THE FUTURE OF BEEF IS DEFORESTATION-FREE


              THE FUTURE OF BEEF IS DEFORESTATION-FREE

When a large, global food company commits to deforestation-free commodities its entire supply chain listens. And when McDonald’s does so, other global food companies follow suit. That’s why the company’s commitment to source only deforestation-free beef by 2020 in regions with identified risks relating to the preservation of forests holds such promise to protect critical habitats, including Latin America’s most valuable ecosystems.

Many factors drive deforestation, but beef production is the biggest. Cattle ranching occupy about 80 percent of the deforested area in the Amazon, and it has led to the conversion of nearly 200 million acres of Cerrado habitat.
The environmental impacts of deforestation are clear: it contributes to climate change, drought, soil degradation and erosion, water pollution, the spread of disease, and the loss of biodiversity.

There are a number of social impacts as well from land conflicts to bond and child labor, the displacement of indigenous cultures, and deterioration of water quality for drinking and fish, the most common source of protein in many affected areas.

Global food companies are in a unique position to influence not only their own supply chains but also that of their rivals. McDonald’s need for ground beef from select cuts leaves the majority of each animal for other buyers.

WWF is working to support the transition to deforestation-free commodities, such as beef, soy, palm oil, timber, and so on. As one of the largest single buyers of beef, McDonald’s influences producers, processors, distributors, and other companies at every point along the value chain. WWF’s On Balance blog



BY SOLIDARIDAD ZAMBIA


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