EN 
PT_BR 
A delegation from Mato Grosso visited the Netherlands, Belgium and France this week with the aim of promoting the state's livestock production chain, highlighting projects focused on sustainability and seeking to expand exports to European markets. The representatives from Mato Grosso were received by local authorities and participated in Brazilian Day 2025 — an event promoted by the Brazilian Embassy in the Netherlands, in partnership with Rabobank, a century-old financial institution and global reference in agribusiness.
The international mission was attended by leaders from the Mato Grosso Meat Institute (Imac), the State Secretariat for Economic Development (Sedec) and the Mato Grosso Agriculture and Livestock Federation (Famato). The events took place in the cities of The Hague and Utrecht, in the Netherlands; Brussels, in Belgium; and Paris, in France. Among the authorities who welcomed the delegation were diplomats Fernando Magalhães, Brazil's ambassador to the Netherlands, and Pedro Miguel Costa e Silva, Brazil's ambassador to the European Union.
The delegation's main commitment was to participate in the 92nd Assembly of the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO), held in Paris. During the event (on the 29th), Brazilian livestock was officially recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. With a herd of over 32 million head of cattle, Mato Grosso strictly followed the guidelines of the National Plan for the Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease to achieve this certification. This achievement reinforces not only the quality of Mato Grosso meat, but also the technical competence of the sector, opening doors to new international markets.
Caio Penido, president of Imac, highlighted the strategic importance of the institute’s international activities to strengthen the sector. “Imac has expanded its presence on global agendas. Given the discussions in the European Union about anti-deforestation legislation, it is essential to show that we produce meat that preserves biodiversity and is low carbon. If they want to encourage a sustainable chain, they need to understand that we are already well advanced in this agenda. In this context, we present the Green Passport program as a tool capable of monitoring and proving our sustainable practices.”
The Secretary of Economic Development, César Miranda, reinforced the importance of diversifying export destinations. “Expanding access to new markets is essential to reduce dependence on specific countries. Missions like this are essential for us to show the world the quality and sustainability of our production. We have a herd raised on pasture, with excellent feed and an exemplary production system — and this is what we need to highlight.”
For Amarildo Merotti, 2nd vice-president of Famato, there is still a lack of knowledge about the reality of livestock farming in Mato Grosso, and actions like this are essential to change this perception. “We noticed that there is still a lack of precise information about how meat is produced in Mato Grosso and in Brazil. Direct contact with authorities and opinion makers is essential for us to build and consolidate a faithful and positive image of our livestock farming abroad.”
WMC
During activities in Belgium, the Netherlands and France, Imac representatives invited authorities and businesspeople to the World Meat Congress, one of the largest events in the sector in the world, which will be held for the first time in Brazil.
Mato Grosso, the largest national exporter of beef, was chosen to host the event due to its strategic importance in the global livestock scenario. The congress will take place in Cuiabá, between October 27 and 30, bringing together representatives from more than 20 countries.
