JBS Australia defends animal welfare record after Andrew Forrest attack

JBS Australia has issued a public defence of its animal welfare record after Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s extraordinary direct attack.

JBS has issued a public defence of its animal welfare standards.

Meat processor JBS has issued a public defence of its animal welfare record, as the battle between the Brazilian-owned giant and Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest continues.

JBS Australia took out a series of full-page advertisements in daily newspapers across the country on Thursday, declaring its “uncompromising commitment” to animal welfare standards and pledge to reach carbon neutrality.

It comes after Mr Forrest last week ran his own series of advertisements criticising JBS’s animal handling processes, challenging the company to adopt a “no pain, no fear approach”.

At the heart of the ongoing spat is JBS’s $550 million bid to buy Tasmanian salmon producer Huon Aquaculture, now subject to Foreign Investment Review Board approval.

JBS upped its original takeover bid after Mr Forrest attempted to thwart the sale by upping his family company Tattarang’s stake in Huon to 18.5 per cent.

Mr Forrest last week urged FIRB to send JBS a message that its slaughter methods would not be tolerated in Australia, and that he bought into Huon to improve salmon fishing’s environmental standards.

“My message to these massive protein producers is clear – stop the talk and show us your actions. Your animals deserve better and your customers expect more,” he said.

“I challenge JBS to join me on this journey.”

In its full-page ads today attributed to JBS Australia chief executive Brent Eastwood, JBS says high animal welfare standards are an integral part of its culture.

“We continually strive to meet and exceed government regulatory requirements and our customer and community expectations,” the ad reads.

The company also states it is the first global meat and poultry company to commit to net-zero emissions by 2040, investing $1.4 billion in its operations to do so.

“From the highest animal welfare standards to meeting the challenge of climate change, JBS will continue to do business the right way,” it stated.

If the Huon sale is approved, it will be JBS’s second major acquisition in Australia this year, after it announced plans in June to buy pork processor Rivalea Holdings and Oxdale Dairy Enterprise.

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