BRAZILIAN OFFICIALS WARN OF 'AGRICULTURE NATIONALISM' AMID PANDEMIC...
May. 5, 2020 As countries seek to secure national food supplies, a draft report from the Brazilian agricultural ministry has warned that countries may implement export restrictions and subsidies. Brazilian officials expect the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to spark a rise in global agricultural protectionism as countries seek to secure local food supplies, according to a draft report from the agriculture ministry, seen by Reuters. The report pointed to the idea of “agriculture nationalism,” and the possibility of countries imposing export restrictions, subsidies and other policies to favour domestic agriculture industries in the aftermath of the pandemic. Brazil is the largest exporter of soybeans, sugar, coffee, orange juice, chicken and beef, and is considered by many a competitor with the US farm sector in several products. The draft report stated that there is likely to be more state intervention in agricultural markets going forward, and that some countries will eas...