Supporting Supply-Chain Actors and Bovine Traceability Systems: Case Study in Mato Grosso Do Sul – Brazil

Abstract

Assessing supply chain actors may help to improve beef cattle traceability systems and identify potential pathways that may benefit beef ranchers. We developed a case study with actors that comply with the Brazilian bovine traceability system (SISBOV), in Mato Grosso do Sul. The Delphi method was used to collect information from rounds of questions, presented to livestock experts: ranchers (Rs), certifiers and auditors (CAs) from SISBOV. In the first round, open-ended questions were made to explore the interviewees’ points of view. From these answers, textual content analysis generated a list of statements for the subsequent rounds. From the second round, the claims were validated on a Likert scale (respondents were given the opportunity to change their answers if they believed it was necessary). In Mato Grosso do Sul, our findings suggest that the union among Rs seems rather weak, and they lack the feeling of belonging to the supply chain. There also seems to be a lack of precise information on behalf of the Rs. This calls for extension mechanisms to reinforce, clarify and deliver accurate information. Several candidate pathways are discussed to encourage new members to join or to remain dedicated to the Brazilian traceability system (SISBOV), which is currently responsible for the exportation of certified beef cattle to the European Union.