Gov’t says Brazilian soybeans do not “export deforestation”

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture released a note to restate that the production of soybeans in the country is sustainable and that the crop “does not export deforestation,” as French President Emmanuel Macron said on social media.

“The statement made by French President Emmanuel Macron on Brazilian soybeans shows utter lack of knowledge about the process of growing the product imported by the French, and brings disinformation to his fellow countrymen,” the statement published on Wednesday (Jan. 13) reads.

According to the note, Brazil is the world’s number one soybean exporter, and provides over 50 countries with grains, meal, and oil.

“Brazil has one of the world’s strictest environmental legislations, and utilizes renowned technology that expand sustainability in its agricultural production,” the note says.

The ministry also stated that the country holds technological domain to double its production with sustainability, “be it in already used areas or in degraded pasture areas, with no need for new areas. All national production has source control.”