Supply chain approach to sustainable beef production from a Brazilian perspective

In spite of becoming an important player on the international beef market recently, Brazil will have to be prepared for an increase in global competition, in overseas market subsidies and expansion of technical barriers in order to consolidate its position. Thus, the various sectors, which form the beef, supply chain need to be more efficient and exhibit greater competitiveness. Under these circumstances, the use of technology becomes one of the most important factors in overcoming such barriers. However, even though technology might be the solution, success is highly dependent on its effective utilization. Thus, it is necessary to adapt the development and use of such technologies to the consumer needs and acceptance level. In this context, the effective introduction of Brazilian beef into the world economy and increased beef consumption by the internal market in the next decade will depend on the ability of production systems and other sectors of the beef supply chain to provide healthy products, to utilize non-renewable sources in a sustainable manner, to assure people's welfare, to increase its share of the internal market, and to contribute to better social equity. The quality of the final product will also be an important asset and, in this respect, it should be pointed out that the use of meat products with potentially harmful residues would suffer intensive restriction. Additionally, it will become increasingly necessary for production systems to be structured for lower environmental risk. These trends should grow and rapidly encompass the whole beef and hide productive chains. Under this new scenario, a holistic approach should dominate the beef agribusiness, especially, the production systems which will be structured in a sustainable basis. It is important to mention that eventually the proposed production system could be transformed in an organic one. However, in order to apply this approach in organic farming, one should address the conversion carefully, moving forward step by step. During the adaptation process, it is crucial to dedicate a sufficient effort training personnel and establish a new way of producing beef. Preference should be given to areas in which climate conditions provide an environment requiring few adaptations. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.