EU and Brazil Sign Sustainable Agriculture Agreement at Rio+20

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Dacian Cioloş and Brazil's Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Mendes Ribeiro Filho, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a dialogue on agriculture in Rio de Janeiro. The Understanding aims 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.

Cioloş said, "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."

The Understanding foresees opening a debate on promotion and quality policies for agricultural products. Both parties will establish contact points, may 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.

The news release is available at the European Commission's website at http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/ciolos/headlines/news/2012/06/20120621_en.htm.