Brazil to ask G20 members not to raise agricultural subsidies

BRASILIA - Brazil's ambassador to the Group of 20 (G20) said Tuesday that his country will ask developed countries not to raise agricultural subsidies due to the fall of prices for raw materials.

Carlos Bicalho Cozendey announced Brazil's stance on the matter at a press conference, saying that at the upcoming G20 summit, to be held in Antalya, Turkey on Nov 15-16, his country would seek a commitment from the G20 not to raise agricultural subsidies.

While most matters related to agricultural subsidies are discussed within the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, a commitment by the G20 would have a strong moral and political strength, even if it is not legally binding, he said.

Cozendey said Brazil tabled the proposal at a meeting of G20 sherpas in September, where Argentina and Russia expressed their support for the idea while the EU said there could be "difficulties" in getting such a commitment.

Preventing a rise in agricultural subsidies is "especially crucial for products that play a role in food security," he said, adding Brazil would seek to diversify its exports.

"We are no longer in the scenario of high commodity prices but there is still a sustained demand for products, including from Brazil. The fall in the demand of certain products will be compensated by others," he added.

Explaining his plea, Cozendey said that subsidies for farmers in developed countries would allow them to be better equipped to deal with this low-price scenario, which means that producers in poorer countries would face more pressure and see their food output drop.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has confirmed her participation in the G20 meeting in Antalya, where she will also attend a meeting of heads of state from the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).