Ministry of Agriculture calls for reduction of trade barriers in the Americas for agricultural exports during IICA meeting

Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) participated in the 44th Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Costa Rica. The event brought together experts and leaders in the agricultural sector from across the Americas to discuss regional development and cooperation. 

IICA is an international organization that promotes cooperation among its 34 member countries in the Americas for sustainable development and innovation in agriculture. Representing Mapa were the Secretary of Trade and International Relations, Roberto Perosa, and the Director of the Department of Trade Promotion and Investments, Marcel Moreira. 

During his speech at the event, Secretary Perosa emphasized the importance of collaboration among the countries of the Americas to develop sustainable agriculture and strengthen trade between nations. “Trade between our countries is still far below its potential. We need to reduce barriers and restrictions to fully leverage our capabilities,” said Perosa. He also highlighted Brazil's priorities at the G20, focusing on sustainable practices, technological innovation, and international partnerships that ensure food security and economic development in the region. 

One of the most important moments of the event was the panel on global and hemispheric agricultural trade, featuring Dr. Marcos Jank from Insper Agro Global and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Uruguay, Fernando Mattos. They discussed the need for integration and robust public policies and supported the multilateral trade system to promote smoother trade. 

Another panel addressed the role of animal health services in global and regional food security and discussed the future of agriculture. There was also a discussion on the climate emergency in the Caribbean and the proposal to create the Hemispheric Fund for the Resilience and Sustainability of Agriculture in the Americas. 
  

Mission to Guatemala 

After the IICA meeting, the Mapa delegation traveled to Guatemala, where they met with the Vice Minister of Agricultural Health, Marissa Eugenia Montepeque. During the meeting, the Brazilian side expressed Brazil's interest in accessing the Guatemalan market for poultry meat, avian genetic material, eggs, dehydrated pork skins, dairy products, and fish. Representatives from the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) also attended the meeting. 

The Vice Minister was very receptive, committing to expedite the necessary technical evaluations. The expectation is that the Guatemalan market will soon open to Brazilian agricultural products, creating new export opportunities for Brazil. In 2023, Guatemala imported about 150,000 tons of poultry meat, making it one of the world's leading importers of the product. 

In addition to the meeting with the Vice Minister, the Brazilian representatives met with the Guatemalan Chamber of Food and Beverages (CGAB) to explore potential trade opportunities. “We are optimistic that these joint efforts will result in a significant increase in Brazilian exports to Guatemala, diversifying our product offerings and strengthening our economic partnership,” concluded Perosa. 


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