SAO PAULO, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Brazilian food processor BRF plans to increase its direct purchases of grain from farmers to 40% of its total by next year, as it seeks to increase control over its production chain while trying to reach traceability goals, executives said.

The pork and poultry processor, one of Brazil's largest buyers of corn and soybeans, bought 17% of the material used to make feed directly from producers last year, and 32% in 2023.

(Reporting by Roberto Samora; Editing by Kylie Madry)