Greenpeace activists storm meat processor JBS' shareholder meeting near Schiphol

A group of Greenpeace activists disrupted a shareholders’ meeting of JBS, the world’s largest meat processor, after forcing their way inside. The meeting, held at the Sheraton Hotel near Schiphol, was abruptly abandoned just after 10:00 a.m. on Thursday as attendees fled, an ANP reporter at the scene reported. With activists now in control of the room, it remains uncertain if the meeting will resume later.

JBS chose the Netherlands as the location for this year’s shareholders’ meeting after formally restructuring as a Dutch company in May last year. Greenpeace attempted to access the meeting to hand over a letter warning of potential legal action, as part of its effort to stop the company’s planned expansion in Nigeria.

Although the papers could not be handed over, Greenpeace Netherlands director Marieke Vellekoop said the protest was still successful, as it signaled that the organization is keeping a close watch on JBS in the Netherlands. “JBS was warned that if it brought its bloody business to the Netherlands, we would do everything in our power to ensure it complies with Dutch law. Today, we are following through on that promise,” Vellekoop said.

Greenpeace has long alleged that the Brazil-founded meat processor is involved in illegal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, and it has faced accusations of greenwashing in multiple countries. The organization is now weighing legal action in the Netherlands to contest JBS’s multibillion-dollar plans to build new slaughterhouses in Nigeria, citing concerns about environmental harm and potential human rights violations.

Greenpeace says JBS has not been transparent about its plans or their possible impact on communities and the environment. The group has sent a letter requesting further details and warns that, if JBS does not respond, it will turn to the courts to force disclosure.

“The growth of JBS’ meat empire has been hand-in-glove with environmental destruction, colossal emissions, human rights abuses, corruption, and a total lack of transparency. Now it plans to export this business model to other sub-Saharan African countries,” said Elizabeth Atieno, a Food Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa.

A large banner bearing the message “JBS Keep your bloody business out of Africa” was spread out in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. Outside, activists held a smaller version above the entrance while letting a red, blood-like liquid run down the building’s facade. Hotel staff on site refused to comment, and ANP has approached Marriott, the hotel’s parent company, for a response. Police are at the scene but have yet to take action.

The company, owner of plant-based brands De Vegetarische Slager and Vivera, could not be reached for a response.