On Official Visit to Portugal, Minister Fávaro Explores Opportunities in Olive Oil Sector

The official mission of Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) to Portugal began on Saturday (June 7), led by Minister Carlos Fávaro. The visit aims to strengthen agricultural and trade relations between the two countries. 

The delegation’s first engagement included a field visit to the Beja and Brinches Agricultural Cooperative and the olive oil processing company Lagar do Vale. The visit provided an opportunity for technical exchange on best practices in import controls, production standards, and olive oil quality assurance. 

On the occasion, Minister Fávaro highlighted the Brazilian government’s decision earlier this year to reduce import tariffs on several products—including olive oil. “Trade relationships must be reciprocal. We expect to export, but we must also be open to imports. In March, we made the governmental decision to eliminate the 9.2% import tariff on olive oil. Today, Portugal can export olive oil to Brazil with zero tariff,” he noted. 

Fávaro also emphasized that the mission to Portugal is an opportunity to open new avenues of cooperation and commerce. “One of President Lula’s directives to me has been to expand market access for Brazilian agricultural products and to convert those efforts into real commercial opportunities,” said the minister. 

Portugal’s Secretary of State for Agriculture, João Moura, expressed optimism about strengthening economic ties with Brazil. “We view Brazil as a brother nation and a country of opportunity—one that can support our relations not only with Africa but also with other parts of Europe. Minister Fávaro’s visit has the potential to make that vision a reality,” he stated. 

Hugo Caruso, Director of the Department for the Inspection of Plant-Origin Products within Brazil’s Secretariat for Agricultural Defense, also underscored the importance of the visit for Brazil’s olive oil industry. “The minister had the opportunity to observe the high standards of Portuguese olive oil production. That expertise can serve as a model for Brazil, which is still an emerging player in the olive oil sector. Strengthening these ties will support the development of our own industry and help boost domestic production,” he affirmed. 

Brazil and Portugal have signed several Memorandums of Understanding to promote bilateral cooperation. The most recent agreement was formalized in February 2024 during the visit of the President of the Portuguese Republic and his delegation to Brazil. 



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