Why are Dutch pension funds divesting from Brazilian meat companies?

Several Dutch pension funds are divesting from major Brazilian meat companies due to their failure to meet the funds’ sustainability standards, according to Financieele Dagblad.

Pension funds and other financial institutions are under increasing pressure to stop funding the meat industry due to its significant environmental impact, including deforestation and high methane and CO2 emissions.

PME, the metal and technology sector’s pension fund, has already sold its shares in Brazilian meat companies Marfrig and Minerva, citing sustainability concerns. Healthcare sector pension fund and civil servants’ fund ABP have also sold their interests in Minerva and Marfrig, respectively, and are in talks with JBS about its climate impact.

The three listed Brazilian meat companies have denied the allegations, stating that they are making efforts to ensure sustainability.