Cattle farmers barbecue at Bradesco branches in protest after video against meat

Cattle farmers from at least five states are having barbecues on the morning of this Monday (3) at the doors of Bradesco branches, in protest against a video in which influencers recommended a day without meat and associate the practice with a bank application that calculates footprints of carbon.

The material circulated on social networks two weeks ago and Bradesco said it took the video off the air on the 23rd. In it, three influencers give tips on how consumers can have more sustainable habits and reduce their carbon footprint.

The first tip given by them is to join the movement known as “Second without Meat”, in which people choose to consume vegetarian dishes.

“Cattle raising contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases, so how about we reduce our meat consumption and choose a vegetarian dish on Monday?” says one of them.

The content irritated the ruralists, arousing criticism from politicians who defend agendas linked to agribusiness, sector entrepreneurs and entities.

Rural unions organized the barbecues through social networks, which they called “Segunda com Carne”. The protest is scheduled to take place at the doors of branches in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Araçatuba (SP), Birigui (SP), Cuiabá (MT), Rondonópolis (MT), Araguaína (TO), Água Boa (MT), Canarana ( MT), Barra do Garça (MT), Goiânia (GO) and Xinguara (PA).

In Mato Grosso, the protest is supported by Acrimat (Association of Breeders of Mato Grosso), Nellore Mato Grosso and ABCZ (Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders).

“It’s not exaggeration on their part, it’s bad faith. They do it on purpose to break agribusiness. The same propaganda made by Banco do Brasil shows the difference between a conscious bank and another that defamates agribusiness,” said the state deputy Gilberto Cattani (PSL).

During the act in Cuiabá, around 2,000 meat skewers are distributed to people who pass by the agency, in the center of the city. Late in the morning, a line even formed at the door of the building.

Last year, images of Cuiabá residents lining up in search of bones made their way onto social media. On Monday, some of them took the opportunity to pass through the center to get a skewer with the protesters. One of them is Estevão Vargas, 27. “I’ve already got some meat and I’m in line to get it again. I’m from Santa Catarina, but I live in Cuiabá and I support the protesters.”

For the rancher Jorge Pires de Miranda, also from Cuiabá, it is important that the sector takes a stand against the campaign. “It brings untruths to the population, livestock is a segment that only brings good news to the population. In addition to serving the national market, we export to several countries, we are responsible for sustaining the trade balance.”

According to breeders in Xinguara (PA) disclosed on social networks, meat will be donated to those who bring proof of enrollment in the Auxílio Brasil program and identification document.

According to the unions, Brazilian agricultural production models use sustainable practices, productive pastures and integrations for raising cattle, which contribute positively to the issue of carbon emissions.

After taking the video from its networks, the bank released, on the 24th, an open letter to agribusiness, in which it sought to disassociate itself from the content and said that it would take severe internal administrative actions because of what happened.

“In recent days we have unfortunately seen an inappropriate position of digital influencers in relation to the consumption of beef, associated with our brand. It is important to say that this position does not represent the vision of this house in relation to the consumption of beef”, says the bank’s letter .

Last week, Acrimat issued a note repudiating both the video and the bank’s stance, “which issued a statement disclaiming any responsibility for what happened and reiterating its confidence and support for the sector.”

“It so happens that Bradesco itself, in one of its applications, also encourages the reduction of animal protein consumption with the excuse of reducing carbon emissions. Well, if we are one of the most important chains for the economy, like Bradesco itself does it work with these two versions?”, questioned the entity.

Last Friday (31), Bradesco reiterated its support for the sector and, through a statement, said that the institution is the largest private agribusiness bank.

“It was Pecplan and Fundação Bradesco, with the support of their technicians, who implemented and trained thousands of farmers to carry out artificial insemination, helping agriculture to reach the current and recognized level of world excellence.”

Sought out again this Monday, to comment on the protest acts marked by the ruralists, the bank had not yet manifested itself until the publication of this text.