Brazil and Guatemala sign agreement for agricultural cooperation
Mapa (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) and Maga (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of Guatemala) signed, this Wednesday (3), in Guatemala City, a Memorandum of Understanding to expand bilateral cooperation in strategic areas of the agricultural sector.
The agreement marks 50 years of cooperative relations between Brazil and Guatemala and provides for the intensification of joint actions in agricultural research, technological innovation, animal and plant health, genetic resources, bio-inputs, regenerative agriculture, soil recovery, technical training, investment promotion and agricultural trade facilitation.
The signing is part of Mapa's official mission to Central America, led by executive secretary Cleber Soares, and also continues the progress made after the visit of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of Guatemala, María Fernanda Rivera Dávila, to Brazil.
On the occasion, bilateral discussions were in-depth and commercial agendas were advanced, including the qualification of six Brazilian beef processing plants for export to the Guatemalan market.
During the meeting, delegations identified new opportunities for cooperation between institutions from both countries, with emphasis on the exchange of technologies in sustainable soil management, use of bio-inputs, agriculture resilient to climate change, agro-climatic monitoring and tools aimed at increasing productivity.
The memorandum also establishes permanent coordination mechanisms between ministries, such as the creation of a joint working group, in addition to the exchange of experts, technical missions, training and development of projects of common interest.
Guatemala expressed interest in deepening cooperation with Brazil in areas such as genetic improvement of fish and cattle, with a focus on strengthening livestock farming and technology transfer.
The Guatemalan government recognized the Brazilian experience as an international reference in agricultural innovation and requested technical support for genetic improvement and strengthening of the cattle herd.
The delegations also discussed the expansion of bilateral agricultural trade, with advances in sanitary processes for products of animal origin and opportunities to expand commercial relations between the two countries.
The program also included a meeting at the IICA Institute (Inter-American Cooperation for Agriculture), in Guatemala City, where regional initiatives in bioinputs, coffee farming, sustainable agriculture, adaptation to climate change, animal genetics and institutional strengthening were discussed.
The discussions reinforced the potential for cooperation between Brazil, Guatemala and international organizations to promote projects aimed at innovation, sustainability and development of the agricultural sector in the region.
https://stories.cnnbrasil.com.br/agro/brasil-lidera-biotecnologia-agricola-mas-falta-rapidez-regulatoria/
Source: CNN