Brazil’s government said on April 27 it could not interfere with a landmark EU law banning imports of commodities linked to deforestation but will keep farming according to its own laws. The law approved by the European Parliament on April 19 bans imports of coffee, beef, soy, palm oil, cocoa, rubber, wood, charcoal and derived products including leather, chocolate and furniture if they are linked to forest destruction. Brazil’s agribusiness sector has said the country, which as a major soy, coffee and beef producer is one of the world’s largest food suppliers, already regulates deforestation under its forest code that allows some areas to be cleared. “Brazil cannot interfere in a decision taken by the European Union on products linked to deforestation. We will continue to act in accordance with Brazilian legislation,” Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro told.
Sources: Reuters/Datamar News