“If there is no opportunity to do business here, let’s do more business there”, said the Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro
Given the impasse in the agreement between Mercosur and European Union, the Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, defended that the country seek partnerships with other markets, such as Brics, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. He said that the government was dedicated to concluding the agreement, but that there is no prospect of concluding negotiations at the moment. France is one of the main obstacles.
“Of course, we would like to expand our relations with the European Union, and agriculture would certainly be a benefiting sector. But, if there is no opportunity to do business here, let's do more business there. President Lula is focusing a lot on economic development and partnerships between the BRICS, the Global South, the Middle East, Asia and Africa”declared Fávaro in an interview published by Folha de S.Paulo this Monday (5.Feb.2024).
The minister said that agribusiness is going through a difficult time due to climate issues, but highlighted that the government has demonstrated that it is aware of the effects on food production and prices.
“The government is not to blame for the bad weather or the prices, which are the responsibility of the markets. I think it even becomes an opportunity in which producers realize that the government is paying attention, that the government cares about this economic activity, even though there is not a crisis, but a moment that seems to be a little more difficult, the government is watch out”said Fávaro.
The ministry is preparing a plan to help rural producers meet the environmental requirements of agribusiness. The measures are preventive and aim to bring the president closer Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) with agriculture, the sector most linked to the former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL).
“The prospects for Brazilian agriculture here in Brazil are always very positive. Brazil has consolidated itself over the last 50 years as the largest player in food production. And we have ample room for growth. We can double the area used for agriculture and even improve the conditions of Brazilian livestock farming without advancing into the forest”said Fávaro.
According to the minister, Brazil no longer needs deforestation to continue growing: “We also need to respect our Forest Code. Yes, we can talk about zero deforestation. Before, fighting the illegal”.
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