Repórter Brasil has been investigating Cargill’s activities in Brazil since 2003. This analysis is a summary of the history of grievances reported about Cargill in Brazil, with an emphasis on recent years.
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Collection of analyses by other organizations
Human rights abuses and the destruction of nature documented by various other organizations since 2014
The Chain: Agropalma’s Owners Look to Sell While Company’s ESG Violations Rise
Several financial actors are assessing Agropalma since the owners signalized their interest in selling it. “Any parties interested in purchasing Agropalma will have to contend with allegations of ties to land grabbing, labor and human rights abuses, and deforestation at a time the company is seeking to increase its palm oil production 50 percent through 2025”. Cargill is one of the buyers of Agropalma.
Seeds of Conflict: How global commodity traders contribute to human rights abuses in Brazil’s soy sector
In November 2021, Global Witness’ research showed that Cargill operated businesses with soy producers involved in conflicts with small farmers in Correntina, western Bahia. This includes cases of intimidation, destruction of community property and death threats to members of traditional communities.
The Chain: Wildfires Rage on SLC Agricola farm
FGV is in Cargill’s list of suppliers. US Government issued “a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on palm oil products produced by Malaysian Felda Global Ventures (FGV) over concerns of alleged forced labor issues.”
The Chain: FGV Banned from Selling Products to the United States Due to Ongoing Labor Issues, Increasing Reputation Risk
FGV is in Cargill’s list of suppliers. US Government issued “a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on palm oil products produced by Malaysian Felda Global Ventures (FGV) over concerns of alleged forced labor issues.”
Brazilian State of Tocantins: A Hotspot for Cerrado Deforestation
“Soy sourced from Tocantins carries a high risk of being linked to legal and illegal deforestation. Case studies reveal that soy production in the municipalities Lagoa de Confusão and Campos Lindos could be linked to illegal deforestation, environmental fines, embargoed areas, land disputes, and slave labor. Glencore and Cargill are the main soy traders in these municipalities.” / “Cargill Agrícola is the largest exporter of soy in Campos Lindos. The company accounted for 95.7 percent of the total soy exports in the municipality in 2017, most of which went to China. The company operates three silos in adjacent municipality Balsas in Maranhão.”
The Chain: Norway divests from palm oil deforestation, APP’s historic commitment, and more
Labor conditions in Malaysia palm oil plantation by Felda, “one of the world’s largest producers of crude palm oil, whose customers include major agribusinesses such as Cargill, as well as consumer brands like Nestlé and Proctor & Gamble.” / ” Cargill and its customers said they weren’t aware of alleged labor abuses on palm-oil plantations and would investigate.” Civil society groups are calling for a full RSPO investigation of the practices detailed in the story. The RSPO has since indicated that it is working to gather more information.