Multinational grains traders in Brazil are advocating for changes to the Amazon soy moratorium, an agreement that prohibits the purchase of soybeans from farms on deforested land in the Amazon rainforest. This initiative has raised alarms among environmental advocates, who fear it could undermine efforts to protect one of the world’s critical ecosystems.
Key Highlights:
Background of the Moratorium:
Established in the mid-2000s, the moratorium was signed by major soy traders, including ADM, Cargill, Cofco, and Bunge. It commits these companies to refrain from buying soy from farms that have been deforested since 2008.
Environmental Impact:
Scientists and conservationists commend the moratorium for its role in reducing deforestation in the Amazon, which is vital for combating climate change due to its capacity to absorb significant amounts of greenhouse gases.
Proposed Changes:
Recent discussions among the working group, which includes traders, environmental groups, and government representatives, have seen traders proposing to alter the rules. They suggest allowing exports from parts of a farm that remain compliant while permitting new deforestation elsewhere on the same property, a move criticized by Carolina Pasquali, executive director of Greenpeace Brasil.
Concerns Over Compliance:
Pasquali warns that such changes could render the moratorium ineffective, allowing non-compliant farmers to continue selling soy while engaging in deforestation.
Industry Response:
Abiove, the association representing major soy traders, confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the moratorium but did not provide specific details about the proposals. They indicated that any changes would require consensus from environmental groups and government signatories.
Legislative Challenges:
The push for modification comes in the context of legislative actions in Brazil, such as a recent law in Mato Grosso that removes tax incentives for companies adhering to the moratorium.
Potential Deforestation Risks:
Environmentalists warn that weakening the moratorium could lead to extensive deforestation, with millions of hectares at risk. Jean-François Timmers from the World Wide Fund for Nature emphasizes the significant land area that has been deforested since 2008.