As a way to recognise the commitment and hard work of its employees in sustainability actions throughout 2024, De Heus gave an unforgettable experience to employees from different units in Brazil: a visit to the large restoration project of the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor, led by the Black Jaguar Foundation. The company has been supporting this project since 2021. The visit included activities in Santana do Araguaia (PA), where the project's local office and large plant nursery are located, as well as the towns of Caseara and Marianópolis in Tocantins.
This was the third time company representatives visited the project in Pará. It helped build stronger relationships between De Heus, local teams, and partners working together to protect and improve biodiversity in the area between the Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado. The group included employees from Production, HSE, Quality, and Administration, along with the Plant Manager of the Guararapes Unit, Daniel Souza, and the Sustainability Manager, Guilherme Cerqueira. They were able to see first-hand the size and importance of the reforestation project supported by the company — a true example of sustainable change and teamwork.
During the visit, the team saw the different parts of the restoration process — from collecting seeds and growing seedlings to planting and taking care of the reforested areas.
“It was an inspiring experience. Walking on the land that is being restored, planting our own trees, and seeing the real results of our support is something that really touches us. As someone who works in Sustainability, I was impressed by the careful planning and attention given to every part of the process. This restoration is based on science, knowledge, and, most importantly, purpose. Seeing it with my own eyes strengthens our commitment to a better future that balances production and nature,” said Guilherme Cerqueira, Sustainability Manager at De Heus Brazil.
During the visit, the team also learned about the Araguaia Reseed Seed Network – a project started by the Black Jaguar Foundation, which De Heus Brazil strongly supports. They saw the important role of local communities in this restoration work. The connection between forests, biodiversity, income, and community development became even clearer to the group.
“The most powerful moment for me was seeing how nature and people are connected through this project. It's not just about trees – it’s about giving more life opportunities to families. I work in Production, and I felt like I was part of something much bigger. It starts in the factory, where we also grow seedlings. Every tree we plant – whether in our towns or here in Pará – helps build a better future, if everyone does their part,” said Francisco Filho, from the Rio Claro I Unit.
“I returned with a full heart and a more open mind. Seeing the restored areas and listening to the stories of the seed collectors and nursery workers, who all play a key role, makes us feel even more proud to be part of De Heus. Sustainability is something we live, not just talk about,” added Daniel Souza, Plant Manager at the Guararapes Unit.
On the first day, the team learned about the "Reseeding" project – a programme led by BJF, and part of the Araguaia Seed Network, which De Heus supports.
A network that brings impact and growth
At the visit, Carol Sacramento, a representative of the Black Jaguar Foundation, spoke about the importance of teamwork to make ecological restoration grow in Brazil:
“De Heus being here shows that the business world can, and must, help restore our natural areas. When companies, communities, seed networks, and non-profit groups work together, we can build a strong restoration chain with social, environmental, and economic benefits. The Cerrado and the Amazon can only be restored with the help of many people,” she said.
A real commitment
De Heus' support for the Black Jaguar Foundation is part of the company's ESG strategy, and connects with its global sustainability programme, Responsible Feeding. This programme encourages better, more responsible practices in the food production chain.
“Every year, we work together with our employees to make sustainability something we all do, not just talk about. Simple actions like planting seedlings, looking after our people and their families, and learning about global challenges are part of this. And the best part is knowing this is being done with care, passion, and teamwork at De Heus,” said Guilherme Cerqueira.
In 2025, De Heus will take another big step forward by starting the Sustainability Journey. This project follows the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and De Heus’ Global Green Goals. These global goals help every De Heus Business Unit improve how they work towards sustainability. Based on the Responsible Feeding pillars, this journey will focus on reducing water and electricity use, planting more seedlings year-round, and supporting the communities where De Heus is active.
“Our goal is clear: reduce our carbon footprint, increase our positive impact, and prove that it is possible to produce food in a responsible and sustainable way. The Sustainability Journey is more than a project – it is our promise for a better future,” Cerqueira concluded.
