The livestock farmers of Brazil are represented by the following institutions: Mato Grosso Breeders Association – ACRIMAT, Mato Grosso Agriculture and Livestock Federation – FAMATO, Mato Grosso do Sul Breeders Association – ACRISSUL, Rondônia Livestock Farmers Association – APRON, National Livestock Union – UNAPEC, Brazilian Rural Society – SRB, National Association of Feedlot Operators – ASSOCON, Pará Breeders Association – ACRIPARÁ, Brazilian Association of Cattle Exporters – ABEG, Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders – ABCZ, Association of Breeders of NELORE DO BRASIL – ACNB, ASSOCIAÇÃO DOS CRIADORES DE NELORE DE MATO GROSSO – ACNMT, ASSOCIAÇÃO GRUPO PECUÁRIA BRASIL – GPB and MESA BRASILEIRA DE PECUÁRIA SUSTENTÁVEL – MBPS present their institutional position regarding the potential incorporation of a European Union requirement concerning the use of antimicrobials in animal production, resulting in nationwide restrictions that would indiscriminately affect all livestock farming in the country. The entities advocate for the responsible use of antimicrobials, always based on technical and scientific criteria and the regulations of Brazilian health authorities. Brazil has one of the most rigorous sanitary control systems in the world, ensuring that these products are used safely and in accordance with international standards. It is also worth noting that antimicrobials authorized by the Codex Alimentarius, an international reference recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO), are important tools for modern livestock production. When used responsibly, they contribute to animal health and welfare, improve feed efficiency, and enhance herd performance. Restricting internationally recognized technologies without scientific backing could compromise the sector's competitiveness and, paradoxically, reduce its environmental efficiency. Therefore, the entities consider it unacceptable that the commercial requirements of a specific market be transformed into obligations for the entire Brazilian livestock industry. The conditions established by importing countries must be met by those who choose to access these markets, without imposing costs, limitations, and bureaucracy on producers who serve the domestic market or other destinations with different rules. The entities warn that incorporating these requirements into Brazilian legislation creates a worrying precedent, allowing future external conditions—including those of an environmental or productive nature—to influence the formulation of national public policies. This practice compromises Brazil's regulatory sovereignty, legal certainty, and the competitiveness of one of the main sectors of the economy. In this context, the organizations argue that any measure of this nature should be widely debated and constructed based on technical and scientific criteria and the reality of Brazilian livestock farming, preserving the activities of livestock farmers, especially small producers. The organizations advocate that Brazil continue to expand its presence in international markets and meet the demands of importing countries whenever there is commercial interest. However, these demands should remain restricted to production chains destined for these markets, preserving the country's autonomy to define its regulatory framework based on science, risk assessment, and national interests. The organizations reaffirm their confidence in the Brazilian agricultural defense authorities and call upon the Federal Government, the National Congress, and the productive sector to defend regulatory sovereignty, legal certainty, and the competitiveness of Brazilian livestock farming, ensuring that decisions on national production continue to be made in Brazil and based on technical and scientific criteria, without the influence of external pressures and narratives.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.