Animal welfare

Aurora Coop renews international certifications and reinforces commitment to animal welfare

Independent audits confirm excellence in swine and poultry operations, impacting over 350 million animals annually

Aurora Coop, one of Brazil’s largest agro-industrial cooperatives, has renewed key international certifications in animal welfare for its swine and poultry processing units. The audits, conducted by independent and accredited organizations, confirm strict compliance with globally recognized protocols across all stages of the production chain — which annually involves more than 8 million pigs and 343 million birds.

The announcement was made on Monday (April 14) by the cooperative’s Vice President of Agribusiness, Marcos Antonio Zordan, and Animal Welfare Program Coordinator, Eliana Renúncio. According to both, these achievements are the result of a structured and continuously evolving program focused on ethical responsibility, sustainability, and international competitiveness.

International certification in swine and poultry production

In the swine unit, Aurora Coop adheres to the protocol of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), one of the leading standards for best practices in meat processing. The audits were conducted by QIMA/WQS, with auditors certified by PAACO (Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization).

The poultry unit, in turn, is certified according to NSF International standards, based on the Global Animal Wellness Standards (GAWS). This certification covers the entire production chain — from farm to transport and processing — and requires robust management systems, ongoing training, and regular audits.

Outstanding results and a consolidated animal welfare program

Both units received excellent ratings from auditors, reflecting the effectiveness of Aurora Coop’s animal welfare program. Structured around the principles of the Welfare Quality protocol, the program includes up-to-date best practice manuals, specialized training, and rigorous monitoring in both field and industrial settings.

Since 2011, Aurora Coop has also partnered with BEA Consultoria e Treinamento na Produção Animal, a consultancy specialized in poultry, swine, and dairy sectors. The partnership has provided technical and scientific support to the cooperative’s welfare initiatives.

Global compliance and forward-looking strategy

The certifications not only meet Brazil’s regulatory requirements — aligned with the guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) — but also comply with international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and other demanding global markets.

In addition to ensuring access to leading retail and food service networks, alignment with animal welfare protocols enhances the cooperative’s credibility and strengthens its position in key export markets.

“Investing in animal welfare certifications is a strategic decision that will continue to grow in the coming years,” said Marcos Antonio Zordan. Eliana Renúncio added: “This policy strengthens our social and environmental responsibility and consolidates our position as a benchmark in the production of high-quality, safe, and ethically sourced food.”

Aurora Coop plans to expand partnerships and further integrate animal welfare into its production system, reinforcing its leadership in sustainability and ethical practices across the agri-food industry.