European Union - Brazil dialogue on agriculture and rural development
The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş, and the Brazilian Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Mendes Ribeiro Filho, have signed in Rio de Janeiro a Memorandum of understanding to establish a dialogue on agriculture. The objectives are to promote mutual understanding and bilateral technical cooperation in the field of agriculture and rural development and to strengthen the exchange of information for a timely and efficient resolution of any arising issues.
"This memorandum opens the way to a structural dialogue of the European Union with Brazil, concentrated around themes of common interest for our agriculture and rural development policies. Sharing ideas, best practices, innovative solutions, creating a system of early notification of any rising issues, will bring benefits to our farmers and agri-food industry", stated Dacian Cioloş, EU Commissioner for Agricultural and Rural Development after the signature of the memorandum.
The two sides agreed to share knowledge on sustainable agriculture, to exchange information on experiences and best practices in setting and implementing agricultural and rural development policies, to discuss on how to increase agricultural productivity and trade and to encourage innovation in farming. The document also foresees opening a debate on promotion and quality policies for agricultural products. Both sides will establish contact points, may decide to set up technical working groups and have yearly meetings. The first high level dialogue will take place in Brussels by the end of this year, or early 2013.
