Brazil has introduced a certification protocol for cattle raised without the use of antimicrobial drugs to comply with the European Union's new import requirements, which will take effect on September 3, Pecuaria reported.
From that date onward, only cattle that can demonstrate they have never received these types of medications will be eligible for export to the bloc.
The protocol, established by the Ministry of Agriculture on May 29, will be voluntary in general but mandatory for producers seeking to export to the EU. The system requires producers to hire an accredited certification body, develop sanitary and nutritional plans, undergo on-farm audits, and obtain a certification.
According to the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA), no farms have yet been certified, although some producers have already begun the certification process.
The main challenge is replacing monensin, an additive widely used in grainfed cattle to improve feed efficiency and help control certain diseases. Eliminating its use could increase production costs and require changes in management practices. Feedlots represent a significant share of the farms currently approved to export to the EU.
According to producers, the decision to adopt the protocol will depend on whether the European market offers a sufficient price premium to offset the required investments. Meanwhile, the animal nutrition industry is promoting alternatives such as essential oils and probiotics.
The European Commission said negotiations with Brazil are ongoing and noted that the new rules were adopted in 2023, giving exporting countries time to adapt. Meanwhile, ABIEC said it is working with the Ministry of Agriculture to meet the EU requirements and announced that a European technical mission is expected to visit Brazil in the second half of the year to assess progress and conclude the approval process.
