CNA asks ministries to intensify cargo escorts.

By Helena Martins – Reporter for Agência Brasil

The Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA) has sent official letters to the Ministries of Defense and Public Security requesting increased escort of agricultural products throughout Brazil. The organization is asking for support to guarantee the safe circulation of perishable goods such as meat, milk, fruits, and vegetables; live animals; and animal feed, especially animal feed.

In the document signed by the president of the CNA (National Confederation of Agriculture), João Martins da Silva Junior, the organization points out that agricultural production has already accumulated losses, in the eight days of protests, exceeding billions of reais. He also warns that the damage caused to the agricultural sector "is taking on irreparable proportions, from an economic, social and environmental point of view."

Among the damages listed based on data from the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) are the deaths of 64 million birds and the fact that 1 billion birds and 20 million pigs are receiving insufficient feed.

Given that the concerning scenario persists, the CNA emphasizes "the urgency of prioritizing the sale of perishable products and supplies for livestock, to avoid the continued death of millions of animals and the shortage of food products for Brazilian society."

The ministries received the official letters on Monday afternoon (28) and have not yet taken a position on the request. Last Friday (25), President Michel Temer signed a decree ordering the use of federal forces to clear the highways and resupply the country with products held up on the roads. Among the authorized actions is the escort of vehicles providing essential services or transporting products considered essential, as well as guaranteeing access to places of production or distribution of essential products.