JBS enters fertilizer market and starts production at factory in interior of São Paulo, Brazil

JBS, the global leader in protein-based foods, started its 100% national production of fertilizers, marking the entry of JBS Novos Negócios in this new segment.

Located in Guaiçara, in the interior of São Paulo, Campo Forte Fertilizantes will have the capacity to manufacture 150,000 tons of products per year. The initiative expands JBS' activities in the circular economy, in line with the company's Net Zero 2040 commitment, and is the result of a study started in 2016 to identify how to make the best use of waste from operations. The installation required R＄134 million in investment.

With this investment, JBS will start to operate in the agricultural inputs market and will become the first Brazilian food producer to use waste generated in the company's operations to manufacture fertilizers. “This inauguration reinforces JBS’ sustainable purpose and is yet another circular economy initiative by the Group, which will correctly dispose of waste from its operations, generating a product with added value, based on a highly technological and sustainable industrial process,” commented Susana Carvalho, Executive Director at JBS Novos Negócios.

Campo Forte will produce a complete line of organic, organomineral and special fertilizers, using organic waste and mineral raw materials, resulting from high investment in innovation. The operation will serve both companies (B2B) and final consumers (B2C), with a consultative and technical sales proposal supported by laboratory analyzes and support in making a purchase decision.

To the agricultural producer, Campo Forte will deliver a line of fertilizers that promotes increased productivity, enhances nutrients and reduces losses, with less impact on the environment. Initially, the company will prioritize sales efforts for soybean, corn, coffee, sugar cane, fruit and vegetables, in addition to pastures and forests. Organic fertilizers can be applied in organic agriculture.

With Campo Forte, JBS will enter a market with growth potential and with an opportunity to increase the share of domestic production. “Today, 87% of the volume of fertilizers consumed in Brazil comes from imports. This brings a great opportunity for the company’s expansion,” Susana said.

The new business is in line with JBS' Net Zero 2040 commitment to zero the net balance of its greenhouse gas emissions, considering its entire value chain. This is because the fertilizers produced by Campo Forte have the premise of a circular economy. By using 25% of the organic waste generated by JBS' operations as raw material, the new company guarantees a correct destination and a lower environmental impact for these inputs.