Abiec says there is a risk that Brazil could go two years without exporting beef to the EU.

The president of the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec), Roberto Perosa, said on Tuesday (4) that there is indeed a risk that Brazil will be unable to export beef to the European Union from September 3rd. The statement was given in an interview during the first day of the International Animal Protein Fair (Siavs), in São Paulo. "That's the reality. Any change depends on new negotiations by the Brazilian government," he stated. The EU embargo on the import of animal products from Brazil begins on September 3rd. The measure impacts, above all, beef, chicken, and honey. The imbroglio began in May after the EU excluded Brazil from the list of countries that meet its rules on the use of antimicrobials in livestock. No irregularities were found in the Brazilian product, but the EU considers Brazil's control over the use of these substances insufficient. The two-year period is related to the life cycle of cattle. It is understood that if an animal starts complying with new antimicrobial protocols today, it will take approximately 24 months to be ready for slaughter according to the new standards. "We are supporting the Brazilian government with information to negotiate a longer transition period, in order to maintain the flow of trade. Traditionally, in international negotiations, the practice is to first agree on the terms and then implement them. What the EU is asking for at the moment is that the livestock cycle be completed first and then the agreement be finalized, and we do not agree with that." 

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.