The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa), Tereza Cristina, endorsed on Thursday (24) the strategy of a commercial diplomacy to guarantee the supply of fertilizers in Brazil this year. The minister said that the current networks for fertilizers supply are vital. “I’ve been to Canada, Iran and Russia. It is important to avoid sanctions on fertilizer and food exports. We have already discussed it with FAO and IICA,” she said. She mentioned the recent National Fertilizer Plan, which aims to boost domestic production and reduce imports dependence. However, as results could take a long time to stand out, the key for now is to continue importing. “We are not just reacting to a crisis, in fact, we are dealing with a structural, long-term problem. We need to keep trade flowing, countries cannot restrict exports, as it would increase the crisis and prices. The world expects a good harvest from Brazil. We can greatly increase our production, without changing environmental policies. If the moment is one of crisis, it may be also of opportunity for Brazilian agriculture.”
Sources: Universo Agro/DATAGRO (*Translated by Ia Niani)