Note in support of commitments to protect Amazon biodiversity

The signatories of this document wish to express their concern that Mato Grosso law 12.709/2024 may pose a risk to the country’s reputation as a sustainable producer.

The Soy Moratorium was created in 2006 to ensure that soy grown, processed and exported was deforestation-free from July 2008 onward.  The Soy Moratorium has been instrumental in preventing further deforestation in the Amazon. Through the implementation of an origin verification system, the Soy Moratorium helps prevent deforestation-related soy from entering the supply chain. Currently, the Mato Grosso legislation poses an existential threat to the future of the sustainable supply of agricultural resources to the world.

In the coming days, Brazil’s Supreme Court will rule on the validity of the injunction currently precluding the enactment of Mato Grosso’s law. It is important that the food and feed industries worldwide work to defend the Amazon biome.

Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of many popular agricultural products such as soy. The aquafeed industry plays an important role in promoting deforestation-free agrarian production practices in Brazil and has contributed greatly to the country’s reputation as a supplier of sustainable feed.

The signatories of this letter pledge to continue to express their support and commitment to protecting the Amazon, especially its biodiversity.