SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Grain producers in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina issued a manifesto on Tuesday criticizing European Union anti-deforestation regulations that they say will disrupt the grain industry worldwide.
Several months ago, the European Union adopted December 2020 rules banning the purchase of products linked to deforestation, a “protectionist” resolution by South American food producers.
EU regulations came into force in June and companies have 18 months to adapt.
According to the manifesto signed by the manufacturers of soybeans, soybean meal and corn of the three countries, the measures of the European Regulation on Deforestation (EUDR) “sovereignty” and “increase risks” for companies and food suppliers.
“The (EU decision) is an industrial barrier disguised as an environmental measure that will have abundant effects on emerging food production and cause a distortion of the global industry,” the food manufacturers said in the manifesto.
Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina account for 51. 3 percent of the soybeans and 15. 2 percent of the corn produced in the world, according to the manifesto.
The complaint coincides with negotiations to finalize a comprehensive industrial agreement between Mercosur, the South American trade bloc and EU countries.
The EU and Mercosur ended negotiations in 2019, but the agreement was suspended due to considerations about Brazil’s commitment to climate action.
The European Commission did not respond to a request for comment.
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