"Brazil Has Decided On Sustainable Food Production With The New Forest Code," Says Senator Katia Abreu

BRASILIA, Brazil, April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brazil chose the right option for the sustainable production of inexpensive and quality food, and a guaranteed legal assurance for all of the Brazilian farmers who invest in the production of grains, meat and raw material for bio-fuel and forestry. For the President of the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA), Brazilian Senator Katia Abreu, the overwhelming majority vote yesterday (274 in favor) shows that the Brazilian society understands the importance of agriculture for the Brazilian economy and its commitment to environmental preservation. "For the first time since 1965, Congress discussed environmental issues in detail, with the focus on choosing the path of sustainable agricultural production," said Senator Katia Abreu. 

The president of CNA noted that agricultural activities occupy only 27.7% of the country's 851 million hectares. The rest of the country has 61% of preserved native forests; this amount is unprecedented anywhere else in the world. "The New Forest Code will maintain these characteristics, ensuring the necessary conditions for Brazilian farmers to keep up sufficient production for both the domestic market and exports," said Senator Katia Abreu. Commenting on the vote, the President congratulated the Brazilian Congress, which, she said, understood the need for a review of environmental legislation and successfully carried out a democratic debate on the issue.

The president of CNA reinforced, too, her confidence in the Brazilian States, which have a key role in the process of implementing the new Forest Code, guaranteed by Article 24 of the Constitution. "We are confident that the States have responsibility and authority to legislate and will consider the uniqueness of each region of Brazil," she said. To Senator Katia Abreu, with the New Forest Code, Brazil can have an important position at Rio +20, to be held in June in Rio de Janeiro, by reinforcing commitments that are already being met. She cited the reduction in about 80% of deforestation in the country, 10 years before the assumed goal for 2009, during the Cop-15, Copenhagen, Denmark. "Brazil is the only country that has the moral authority to discuss environmental issues, in addition to being a major producer of food, while preserving 61% of its biomass," she added.

Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock – CNA
For press contacts, call Pedro A. L. Costa at 1 253 2189542
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SOURCE Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil