China and UAE Top Destinations for Brazilian Chicken Exports in 2024

China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were the leading destinations for Brazilian chicken meat exports in 2024, according to recent trade data. Brazil, a global powerhouse in poultry production, shipped 562,208 tons of chicken meat to China and 455,121 tons to the UAE.

While the volume sent to the UAE saw a modest increase of 3.3% compared to the previous year, exports to China experienced a significant year-on-year drop of 17.7%.

Brazil’s poultry meat production has demonstrated robust growth, accumulating six consecutive years of year-on-year increases, reaching 14.97 million tons in 2024. The country’s success in this sector is attributed to its abundant natural resources, including fertile land and sufficient grain for feed, a favourable year-round climate, and a modern production chain characterized by advanced technology and high sanitary standards. Brazil’s strong global presence is further underpinned by its substantial export capacity and continuous efforts to open new international markets.

The top ten destinations for Brazilian poultry meat exports in 2024, in thousands of tons and their respective year-on-year growth rates, were:

1. China: 562 (-17.7%)
2. United Arab Emirates: 455 (+3.3%)
3. Japan: 443 (+2.2%)
4. Saudi Arabia: 371 (-1.6%)
5. South Africa: 325 (-4.4%)
6. Philippines: 235 (+7.0%)
7. European Union: 232 (+7.0%)
8. Mexico: 213 (+22.6%)
9. Iraq: 180 (+18.1%)
10. South Korea: 156 (-22.8%)

H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreak Impacts Trade

The recent confirmation of an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak on a farm in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has already begun to impact trade relationships. The Mexican government has announced a suspension of imports of chicken meat, fertile eggs, and live poultry from Brazil as a precautionary measure to protect its domestic poultry industry. This suspension will remain in effect until sufficient animal health information regarding the control of the outbreak becomes available. Mexico has formally notified Brazil of this trade suspension.

In response, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has emphasized the robustness of its inspection system and has requested that the principle of regionalization be applied. This approach, which focuses on restrictions specific to the affected region rather than a nationwide ban, has already been accepted by key trade partners such as Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

Original source: Opportimes 

Norfolk Farming Leader Demands Urgent Government Action on “Alarming” Abattoir Decline

A leading Norfolk farmer has joined calls for immediate government intervention to address the “alarming decline” of small abattoirs across the UK.

Graham Shadrack, the Norfolk chairman for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and a Breckland pig farmer of over 50 years, echoed concerns raised by MPs during a recent Westminster Hall debate highlighting the critical role of these facilities in the meat supply chain and the severe threat posed by their rapid closure.

The debate revealed that the sector is at “crisis point,” with small abattoirs reportedly closing at a rate of 10% annually, leaving just 60 operational in the UK by 2023.

Mr Shadrack welcomed the parliamentary discussion as a “positive start” but stressed that tangible government action must now follow. “The shortage of local abattoirs is a major issue for farmers in this area,” he stated. “People are travelling crazy distances to take animals for slaughter and this is not a sustainable situation.”

He called for a “round-table MPs’ meeting” as the next step, leading to “firm commitments from the government” to tackle this urgent issue.

An NFU survey of livestock farmers in the East of England painted a stark picture, with 19% indicating they would stop keeping livestock and 14% facing potential closure if the trend of abattoir shutdowns continues.

The NFU has identified several reasons for these closures, including labour shortages, lack of investment due to thin profit margins, rising waste disposal costs, and excessive red tape. Compounding these pressures is the recent controversial 20% increase in Food Standards Agency (FSA) charges for official controls, including inspections.

To address this crisis, the NFU is advocating for several measures, including a government-led independent review of the FSA’s cost structures, workforce management, and use of contractors. They also propose that charges be based on the number of animals processed at each abattoir and call for increased adoption of technology and automation, prioritised recruitment and training of directly-employed vets and inspectors, and the reinstatement of the Smaller Abattoir Fund.

During the Westminster Hall debate, food security minister Daniel Zeichner indicated that discussions with the FSA regarding potential discounts for smaller abattoirs are ongoing. “We have been working closely with the industry and the FSA in looking at how we can reduce regulatory and administrative burdens,” he said, adding that the government aims to strike a balance between maintaining proper standards and ensuring proportionate regulation. He also highlighted initiatives like the reduced administration initiative and the FSA escalation process as steps taken to assist abattoirs.

Original source: Eastern Daily Press

Brazilian Meat Giants Marfrig and BRF Merge to Form MBRF, Rivaling JBS

Two of Brazil’s largest animal protein companies, Marfrig Global Foods and BRF, have finalized their merger details, creating a new powerhouse named MBRF. The deal, completed on May 15th, combines Marfrig’s strong presence in the beef sector with BRF’s extensive chicken and pork operations.

Marfrig had been steadily increasing its stake in BRF since 2021, culminating in a 50.5% ownership share prior to the merger. The newly formed MBRF is projected to have annual sales of $26.75 billion, positioning it as a significant competitor to Brazil’s leading meat processor, JBS.

Similar to JBS, Marfrig has established operations in the United States, holding an 82% stake in National Beef Packing Co. The merger will bring National Beef under the MBRF umbrella, further solidifying its presence in the crucial North American market. Marfrig previously owned Keystone Foods before its sale to Tyson in 2018.

While shareholder approval is still required at a meeting scheduled for June 18th, it is widely anticipated given Marfrig’s majority ownership.

MBRF’s CFO, as quoted by Reuters, indicated that the new entity may consider a U.S. stock market listing in the future, a move JBS has also frequently hinted at pursuing.

Local reports suggest that this significant consolidation within the Brazilian meat industry will further strengthen Brazil’s position as a key meat supplier to China, a crucial export market for both Marfrig and BRF.

Original source: Foodprocessing.com

Brazil Confirms First Bird Flu Case on Chicken Farm, China Imposes Trade Ban

Brazil has confirmed its first case of the highly contagious bird flu virus on a commercial chicken farm, triggering an immediate trade ban from its largest chicken export partner, China.

The outbreak occurred on a farm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, as announced by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture on Friday. This marks the first time the virus has been detected in a commercial setting in Brazil, which is the world’s largest meat exporter and second-largest chicken producer globally, behind the United States.

In 2024, Brazil’s chicken meat exports reached a record 5.294 million metric tons, generating $9.928 billion in revenue. China was the top destination, importing 562,200 metric tons. Other key markets include the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Following the confirmation, China swiftly imposed a temporary ban on poultry imports from Brazil. The Brazilian government has stated that a contingency plan has been activated to contain and eradicate the outbreak and has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and other trade partners.

The Ministry of Agriculture emphasised that the disease is not transmitted through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs, assuring the public of the safety of inspected products. The risk of human infection is considered low and primarily associated with direct contact with infected birds.

Brazil has been implementing preventative measures against bird flu for nearly two decades. Authorities are now working to contain the spread and have implemented a 60-day animal health emergency in the affected region.

Original source: Reuters

French Border Control Strikes Cause Delays for UK Animal and Food Exports

Exporters from Great Britain to France are facing significant delays due to an ongoing strike affecting French Border Control Posts (BCPs). The industrial action, involving contract veterinarians, is impacting veterinary inspections for goods arriving from the UK across all French BCPs, although Calais is not specifically targeted.

While the strike began on Tuesday, 13th May and continues on a renewable basis with no confirmed end date, specific updates have been issued for the crucial Calais crossing:

• Live Animal Inspections Halted in Calais This Weekend (17-18 May): No live animal inspections will be conducted at either of the Calais sites over the current weekend.
• Reduced Pace for Food Product Inspections: Inspections of food products will continue in Calais, but at a slower rate than usual.
• Emergency Procedure for EU Horses Returning via Calais: Due to a large volume of EU horses returning from competitions, an exceptional emergency procedure will be in place at the two Calais sites on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th May. Lighter controls will be applied specifically to these EU-origin horses. Port boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations for these dates will be validated from this afternoon (16th May).
• Stricter Procedures Resume from Wednesday 21st May: From Wednesday, 21st May, the procedures outlined in the 13th May update will be reinstated until further notice. This means boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations for live animals, particularly horses, will only be issued in the early morning of the relevant day. This measure aims to prevent animals being held up on-site due to a lack of official veterinarians. Exporters are strongly advised to secure these authorisations and confirmations before transporting live animals.

Alternative Routes Advised:

Exporters are being advised to consider alternative routes to France, such as Caen-Ouistreham, the Netherlands, or Belgium, to mitigate potential delays.

The situation remains fluid, and exporters are urged to stay informed of any further updates from French authorities regarding the end of the strike and the resumption of normal inspection procedures. The impact is being felt across all veterinary services and BCPs in France, slowing down the overall inspection process for goods arriving from Great Britain.

MPs Urge Government to Delay “Damaging” Farm Inheritance Tax Reforms

A cross-party committee of MPs has called on the Government to urgently delay its planned reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) until April 2027.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee argues a pause until October 2026 for the final announcement would allow for better policy and provide a long-term vision for farming, also giving vulnerable farmers more time for advice.

MPs criticised the lack of consultation and impact assessment for changes announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, warning of “disputed and unclear” consequences for family farms, land values, and food security. A survey revealed farmer optimism plummeted from 70% to 12% post-budget, with 84% reporting mental health impacts linked to inheritance tax relief changes and the SFI closure.

While supporting the aim to close tax loopholes for wealthy investors, the Committee urged consultation on alternative reforms that wouldn’t harm small family farms. They also criticised the “sudden closure” of the SFI, demanding an alternative funding mechanism by September 2025 and clarity on its future.

The report also called for the urgent publication of the 25-year Farming Roadmap and criticised Defra’s “poor communication” and “breach of trust” with farmers.

EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP emphasised the negative impact of recent government actions on farmer confidence and wellbeing, urging a delay to the inheritance tax reforms to rebuild trust and provide the clarity the sector urgently needs.

UK Declares Germany FMD-Free, Lifts Import Restrictions

Following a thorough technical assessment, Great Britain has officially recognised Germany as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free without vaccination, effective from 14th May 2025.

As a direct consequence of this recognition, restrictions previously imposed on imports of affected commodities from the containment zone in Germany have now been lifted. This means that exports of FMD-susceptible animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, and buffaloes, along with their products such as meat and dairy, can resume from the previously restricted area, provided all other standard import conditions are met.

This decision comes after a detailed technical evaluation of the measures implemented in Germany and the current FMD situation within the country. The UK government has stated that it will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to any changes in the FMD situation within the European Union to safeguard domestic biosecurity.

It is important to note that personal import restrictions remain in force. Travellers are still prohibited from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. This measure is in place to protect British livestock health, farmer security, and UK food security. The restrictions apply to items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk, regardless of packaging or whether they were purchased at duty-free shops.

While FMD poses no threat to human or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers are therefore urged to maintain the highest levels of biosecurity on their farms.

FMD is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of Foot and Mouth Disease in animals must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities: 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland.

Original source: Gov.uk

UK Farmers Offer Cautious Welcome to US Beef Trade Deal

Livestock farmers in the UK have offered a measured response to the recently agreed beef trade deal between the UK and the United States. While acknowledging potential opportunities, concerns remain regarding trade with Europe and traceability standards in the US.

The agreement, finalised last week during discussions between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, establishes a mutual export quota of 13,000 tonnes of beef between the two nations. This marks a potential shift in trade, as very little US beef has been sold in the UK since a 1989 ban due to concerns over the use of growth hormones.   

Adam Quinney, a farmer from Sambourne on the Warwickshire-Worcestershire border, believes the deal is unlikely to result in a significant presence of American beef in UK supermarkets. However, he expressed concern about the potential implications for trade with the European Union. “It would be a concern if the trade barriers with Europe were made even more difficult than they are now,” Mr Quinney explained.

The UK government has sought to reassure farmers, stating that “the rules on food standards have not changed” and that hormone-treated beef will not be permitted for import. Mr Quinney echoed this sentiment, saying, “We were worried about standards, and what type of beef can be imported. And as more and more details come forward, it appears that it’s quite sensible. It’s hormone-free beef.”  

However, David Barton, a Cotswolds farmer and livestock chair of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), raised concerns about the lack of a national cattle tracing system in the US. “We have incredibly good traceability in the UK,” Mr Barton emphasised. “Every animal on my farm has a cattle passport from the moment it’s born. So wherever it goes, it can be traced right back to me. Do they have that in the US? I don’t think they do.”

He stressed the need for robust procedures to ensure the imported beef is indeed hormone-free. “We need to make sure that there are robust, rigorous procedures in place that we’re confident that it’ll be their non-hormone product.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stated that US producers will be required to have monitoring and certification processes in place to demonstrate compliance with UK food standards.

Despite the concerns, Mr Barton also acknowledged potential benefits for UK beef producers. “Our product is largely grass-fed,” he explained. “It’s a premium product, and it doesn’t carry the amount of fat that the US product has. So the US are always looking for lean beef to mix with their product. So there will be opportunities.” This suggests that UK beef, known for its quality and grass-fed nature, could find a niche market in the US, potentially complementing the more grain-fed American product.

Original source: BBC News

Supermarkets Suspend Cranswick Supplies Over Animal Welfare Concerns

Shares in British meat producer Cranswick experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% on Monday following the suspension of supplies from one of its farms by major UK supermarkets. The move comes in response to animal welfare concerns raised by a report in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, which included footage allegedly depicting animal abuse by workers at Cranswick’s North Moor Farm in Lincolnshire.

The significant drop in Cranswick’s share price marked its largest one-day percentage decrease since March 2020, reflecting investor concern over the potential impact on the company’s reputation and sales.

In an emailed statement, a Cranswick spokesperson confirmed the company was taking immediate action. “As soon as we saw the footage, we immediately suspended the team working at the farm and we are conducting an urgent and thorough investigation,” the spokesperson stated.

Cranswick is a major player in the UK pig production sector, supplying a wide range of products including fresh pork, sausages, and bacon to supermarkets nationwide.

“We are extremely disappointed to see the unacceptable lapse of welfare standards captured at North Moor Farm,” the company spokesperson added.

Cranswick has taken the step of suspending North Moor Farm from supplying any pigs until the ongoing investigation is concluded. The company did not provide a specific timeline for the completion of the investigation.

In a swift response to the allegations, major British supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons have all announced the suspension of supplies from the implicated Cranswick farm. This coordinated action by leading retailers underscores the seriousness with which animal welfare concerns are treated by the industry and consumers.

The investigation will likely focus on the veracity of the footage and the extent of any welfare breaches. The outcome could have significant repercussions for Cranswick, potentially impacting its relationships with key customers and its overall market standing.

Original source: Reuters

Wemyss Bay Butcher Crowned World Haggis Champion in ‘Lifetime’s Achievement’

In a fiercely contested battle of Scotland’s national dish, Nigel Ovens, a third-generation butcher from McCaskie’s Butchers in Wemyss Bay, has been crowned the new World Haggis Champion. His winning haggis, described as the culmination of a “lifetime’s” dedication to the craft, took the top spot at the prestigious Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair held in Perth on Sunday.

The victory marked an extraordinary double for Mr Ovens, who also secured the title of World Scotch Pie Champion at the Scotch Pie Awards with a recipe originating from James Pirrie & Son of Dundee.

Judges were unanimous in their praise for Mr Ovens’ haggis, highlighting its “meaty, with a coarse but moist texture.” The “spicy peppery element” that developed at the finish was particularly lauded, with head judge Jon Wilkin declaring it simply “couldn’t be bettered.”

An emotional Mr Ovens admitted to being overwhelmed by the win. “I’ve spent years watching, tasting, tweaking and learning from others and I’m absolutely thrilled to be lifting the World Championship – it’s a dream come true.”

Mr Ovens’ winning haggis had previously claimed the Scottish Championship title a decade ago. This time, he triumphed over stiff competition from 55 other producers to claim the coveted global crown.

While Mr Ovens remained tight-lipped about the intricate details of his winning recipe, he did offer a tantalising hint. “Let’s just say lamb fat probably helps sweeten the haggis and give it broader appeal,” he conceded, adding, “but after a lifetime spent perfecting the recipe, I’ll keep the rest a secret.”

He credited his 24-strong team at McCaskie’s in Wemyss Bay for their dedication in ensuring his haggis is enjoyed by customers across the United Kingdom. Mr Ovens also noted the evolving popularity of haggis beyond its traditional Burns Night association. “Haggis is no longer a Burns Night and burst product,” he stated. “It is a versatile foodstuff used to create a multitude of haggis products enjoyed throughout the year.”

“It’s one of Scotland’s most iconic products and this World Haggis Championship title is the one that every butcher in the country aspires to,” Mr Ovens added. “This means so much to me. It literally is a lifetime’s achievement – I’m so honoured, so humbled and so thrilled.”

Head judge Mr Wilkin, a Reader in Food Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Abertay University, affirmed the exceptional quality of McCaskie’s winning entry. “It’s absolutely fantastic and I can’t imagine there’s a better haggis anywhere,” he said. “The judges had a tough time because the standard this year was extraordinary, but Nigel’s haggis had something special. It was meaty, with a coarse but moist texture, just the right amount of offal to flavour but not overwhelm, a really good salt level and a wonderful spicy peppery element that kicks in at the end – a real champion.”

Louise Harley from championship sponsor Grampian Oat Products extended her congratulations to McCaskie’s, having served on the judging panel. “It was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event as both a judge and a sponsor,” she said. “The standard was incredibly high and, although scoring was tight, we congratulate Nigel Ovens and McCaskie’s on an outstanding product. Oats are an integral part of the haggis recipe and Grampian Oat Products was delighted to sponsor the World Championships again this year.”

Original source: Yahoo News