A note expressing concern about the decision of the General Superintendence of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) of suspending the soy’s moratorium was released by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA), on Tuesday night (19). Earlier this week, the Cade announced the suspension of the tool of biome protection under the allegation of investigating anti -specific practice.
For the environmental folder, the soy moratorium is an important voluntary agreement between companies and civil society associations, with the support of the government, for soy production in the Amazon. According to MMA, this is an internationally pioneering and recognized instrument, with almost 20 years.
“The perpetuity of the agreement indicates its success and the absence of elements that can, in itself, characterize a purchase cartel that motivates a preventive measure,” he says.
By expressing concern about the decision, the environmental portfolio highlighted the principle of defense of the environment provided for in the Federal Constitution, “including through differentiated treatment according to the environmental impact of products and services,” he says.
The note also highlights the criteria established by the voluntary agreement for sustainable soybean production in the Amazon biome, such as the use of consolidated areas of deforestation for crop planting, except those embargoed by illegality, in addition to the prohibition of working in conditions analogous to slavery.
The agreement signed in 2006, considers 2008 as a milestone for prohibition of new deforestation to produce soy, releasing agricultural production in previously deforested areas.
“The experience of the soy moratorium has shown that it is possible to expand agricultural production competitively, with productivity gains, respect for the legislation and protection of human rights,” says the note
According to the government, between 2006 and 2023, there was expansion of soy production in the 427%Amazon, while in the rest of Brazil it grew 115%. Most, 97.6% of deforestation occurred during this period in the biome was not associated with soy.
“MMA reaffirms its commitment to work with producers, companies and public institutions for Brazilian agriculture to follow as an example of sustainable development, reconciling economic competitiveness, environmental preservation and respect for the dignity of human labor,” he concludes.
