Abrosoga criticizes Danone’s boycott of Brazilian soybeans and points to discrimination and lack of knowledge

the Brazilian Soy Producers Association (Aprosoja Brasil) Speak against the group’s decision Danone Stop purchasing Brazilian soybeans for its products, on the grounds that its national cultivation does not comply with European environmental legislation.

Aprosoja classified the company’s action as discriminatory and punitive, highlighting that the restrictions claimed by Danone do not yet have legal force, because they depend on the approval of the European Parliament, which must postpone the entry into force of the rule for another year.

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For the association, the boycott has already caused damage to the Brazilian production chain, and the federal government should consider compensation measures. One proposed proposal includes formally notifying the European Union of the impact of this decision so that European legislation can be reviewed. If the request is ignored, Brazil could, according to Abrosoga, seek financial compensation from the WTO.

Sustainable production: a Brazilian response

Aprosoja also highlighted what she sees as a failure of understanding on the part of Danone and other global companies regarding the sustainable methods used in Brazil. The association notes that the country is moving towards eliminating net deforestation, and achieving a balance between deforestation and natural regeneration.

According to Abrusoja, Brazilian forest law requires soybean producers to maintain 20% to 80% of their area as a legal reserve, in addition to permanent conservation areas on riverbanks and slopes, which differs significantly from countries like France.

“The truth is that soy producers in Brazil are the only ones in the world who invest in environmental conservation with their own resources, as they have stopped cultivating in areas preserved for this purpose,” the association highlights, adding that the country is recognized for its production. Sustainably farmed and high quality, it provides soybeans with a high oil and protein content, ideal for nutritional formulations.

Possible retaliation from producers

Abrosoga also asks Danone where the company will find soybeans with a more environmentally sustainable profile than those in Brazil, and suggests that if discriminatory attitudes persist, Brazilian rural producers themselves may consider boycotting foreign brands that criticize national production.

“Producers who are tired of being unfairly accused of destroying the environment may put Danone and other companies on a boycott list in the future,” Abrosoga concludes.