Marfrig, one of Brazil’s largest animal protein companies, is testing a new artificial intelligence-powered technology for soil analysis as part of its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Initial trials are being conducted on the cattle farms owned by Marcos Molina, the company’s controlling shareholder.
The technology allows for the assessment of carbon content and other nutrients in soil within seconds. Starting this year, Marfrig will also offer the innovation to cattle ranchers who supply livestock to the company.
The system, developed in partnership with Agrorobótica, combines laser technology and artificial intelligence to analyze soil. “This measurement is critical to establish a baseline that will serve as a reference for generating carbon credits through the good practices adopted by these producers,” said Agrobótica’s CEO Fábio Angelis.
In 2024, the development process involved collecting 890 soil samples to measure the impact of new management practices on the company’s carbon balance.
The technology, developed in collaboration with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) is an adaptation of a system NASA used in 2005 to analyze Martian soil. That system enabled the U.S. space agency to detect chemical elements indicating the potential for life on Mars.
It took five years to adapt NASA’s technology for agricultural use, enabling it to determine the levels of nutrients available in soil effectively. The innovation reduced the time needed for results from 20 days to just 20 seconds. “Our technique is clean, chemical-free, and fast. It also meets the demand of the voluntary carbon credit market,” Mr. Angelis explained.
The measurement method is certified by Verra, the world’s leading carbon credit certifier. This accreditation will allow Marfrig’s partner ranchers to earn between $20 and $30 per tonne of sequestered carbon.
“The highest potential for carbon sequestration is found in high-quality pastures, even more than in integrated systems or no-till farming. This represents an enormous opportunity,” said Paulo Pianez, Marfrig’s head of sustainability.
Based on initial analyses, the company estimates that each hectare of pasture could generate carbon credits equivalent to about 1.5 tonnes of carbon annually. The projection considers practices adopted on the two properties tested so far.
After the initial measurement, properties will be reassessed after four years to determine the difference, which will translate into carbon credit generation. Among the practices being implemented, Mr. Pianez highlighted crop-livestock integration and pasture management.
“These practices aim to reduce emissions, contributing to Marfrig’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” he noted. Mr. Pianez expressed confidence that the technology would be well-received by ranchers, as it could enhance profitability through carbon credit generation and increased productivity.
“When engaging with producers, we won’t focus on low-emission systems but rather on new ways for them to increase the profitability of their operations. This approach typically makes it easier to secure their participation,” Mr. Pianez concluded.
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