Brazil and Russia strengthen agricultural trade ties at BRICS Summit

During the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) took the opportunity to hold strategic meetings with Russian officials on the summit’s sidelines. The discussions focused on enhancing agricultural trade between the two nations, addressing mutual trade approvals, advancing electronic certification for animal products, and reviewing export-related regulations. 

The Brazilian delegation, led by Mapa’s Secretary of Trade and International Relations, Luis Rua, included Director of Trade and Investment Promotion, Marcel Moreira, and Agricultural Attaché in Russia, Marco Túlio Santiago. They met with Russia’s Minister of Agriculture, Oksana Lut. Rua expressed gratitude for the warm reception and congratulated Russia on hosting BRICS activities in 2024. Both ministers emphasized the importance of effective communication between their agriculture ministries, which has been essential to increasing bilateral trade. 

Key topics included a request for Russia to lift its suspension on exports from Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state, imposed following a Newcastle disease outbreak in July 2024. As the 90-day health compliance period mandated by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has now passed, the Brazilian delegation sought a reassessment. Additionally, they requested a review of the requirement for re-inspections of Brazilian goods at Brazilian ports. Minister Lut expressed openness to these requests, stating that the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Rosselkhoznadzor would conduct a technical analysis. 

An important outcome of these discussions was an agreement to bolster technical and scientific cooperation between Brazil and Russia. This partnership will involve Embrapa, Russian research centers, and agricultural universities, with a focus on advancing research in both animal and plant sciences. 

The delegation also met with Tatarstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Marat Azatovich Zyabbarov. Tatarstan, a key agricultural region in Russia, is known for producing wheat, dairy, poultry, potatoes, and beets. Rua highlighted the agricultural similarities between Tatarstan and Brazil, emphasizing the significant potential for cooperation and partnerships. 

Both parties agreed to increase knowledge exchange, particularly in halal production and marketing, given Tatarstan's sizable Muslim population. They also discussed potential visits from Tatarstan’s government and private sector representatives to Brazil to explore new collaboration opportunities. 

TRADE WITH RUSSIA 

Since Minister Carlos Fávaro took office, Russia has opened nine new markets for Brazilian agricultural products, including eggs, bovine and ovine semen and embryos, cocoa beans, and yerba mate. As of 2024, Brazil’s exports to Russia have reached nearly USD 1 billion, with soy, coffee, and meat products accounting for approximately 80% of export revenue. 


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