5th Meeting of the Brazil-Canada Consultative Committee on Agriculture

January 24-25, 2012

The 5th Meeting of the Brazil-Canada Consultative Committee was held in Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil, lasting two days. It focused on discussion of areas common to both countries with regard to sanitary and phytosanitary issues, technical cooperation and implementation of joint projects in the area of agriculture. 

The CCA meeting began at 9:30 am on January 24th, 2012, under the chairmanship of Mr. Célio Brovino Porto on the Brazilian side and Mr. Jamshed Merchant on the Canadian side.

Opening Address

The countries expressed the importance of the meetings of the Consultative Committee on Agriculture as a tool for understanding and addressing barriers between the countries, and stressed the importance of technical cooperation and support to the private sector.

Approval of the Minutes of 4th Meeting of the Brazil-Canada CCA

After the opening address, the draft minutes of the 4th Meeting of the Brazil-Canada CCA in 2010 were approved.

1. Bilateral Trade Policy

a. Discussion on trade-friendly LLP policy

Canada

Canada underscored the importance of innovation and biotechnology in agriculture as key elements for food production, given the predictions of climate change and resulting reduction of arable land, according to FAO concerns.  Both countries agree that biotechnology will have an important role in addressing this concern, but stressed that the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their restriction in some countries have hindered international trade. Canada noted that countries' non-alignment in the approval of GMOs is a concern that impacts the movement of grains in the world.

Canada noted that problems relating to LLP are related to compliance with legislation.  There are no international regulations for Low Level Presence (LLP) for GMOs in importing countries, which raises the question of how the issue will be handled without disrupting imports.

Canada informed Brazil that it is developing a domestic policy approach to address the potential trade disruptions that may be caused by LLPs.  Canada is interested in working with Brazil to further LLP policy developments and plans to invite Brazil to an international conference hosted in Canada.  Discussions with the FAO have been conducted with the purpose of addressing risk assessment mechanisms with the CODEX joint committees.   

Brazil

Brazil noted that its position in relation to the theme is similar to Canada's. It asserted that it perceived lack of alignment among countries in the adoption of legislation for GMOs, and considers it urgent to create practical mechanisms with less impact to deal with shipments not characterized as GMO, but that contain only traces.

The biosafety legislation in Brazil requires very complex risk analysis, and there is no multidisciplinary committee formed as yet to process the risk analysis of each type of GMO that enters the country or that is produced internally.

Just as Canada, Brazil is working internally in the search for procedures to handle shipments with low presence of GMOs that have less impact on trade.  Brazil congratulated Canada for bringing the discussion on LLP to the attention of the FAO, believing that the discussion in a neutral forum can help other countries in search of mechanisms to resolve the issue.

For Brazil, zero tolerance for unintended presence of GMOs is worrying.  Brazil pledges to attend the meeting proposed by Canada.

Action Items

  • Canada will invite Brazil to discuss LLP policy at a conference to be held in Vancouver, Canada in March 2012.
  • Contacts
    • Blair Coomber (AAFC, Canada)
    • Juliana Alexander (MAPA, Brazil)

b. CET Exemptions for wheat and barley

Canada

Canada proposed that wheat and barley for malt be included annually in the list of CET (Common External Tariff) exemptions, and if not, asked Brazil to propose other ways to address and resolve the issue. The request was first presented in 2008, and deeper discussions were to follow.

Brazil

With the establishment of the MERCOSUR, Brazil began adopt a 10%, without TQR (Tariff Rate Quota). Brazil believes that the current tariff regime is significantly better than the one consolidated by Brazil in the WTO, and that if it returns to the TQR system, countries outside the MERCOSUR block would find their access to the Brazilian market hindered. Thus, Brazil understands that the current regime is favorable to Canada and compensation for the change of regime is not required. Brazil is willing to deepen the technical discussions on the subject.

Action Items

  • Both countries proposed to further discuss the issue, in order to reach a solution before the next CCA.
  • Contacts
    • Blair Coomber (AAFC, Canada)
    • Luiz Cláudio Carmona (MAPA, Brazil)

2. Technical Cooperation

a. Animal Welfare

Brazil

Brazil provided an overview of programs and actions in the area of ​​animal welfare. It proposed technical cooperation to exchange experiences with regard to legislation/regulation, inspection of the transport system (land, air and sea modals), as well as inspection of the cattle, swine and poultry production systems. The Brazilian proposal is to visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canadian farms, in the second half of 2012 (preferably in August).

Canada

Canada believes that it is a good proposal, but notes that the suggested date for the visit is a holiday period, which could result in logistical problems due to absence of technical staff.

Action Items

  • Brazil will send proposal for technical cooperation to Canada. The date will be confirmed between Canadian and Brazilian counterparts.
  • Contacts
    • Rachel Caputo (MAPA, Brazil)
    • Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

b. Biosecurity for handling FMD virus and other pathogens/Pharmacovigilance/ Methodologies for Evaluating MRLs in products for veterinary use

Brazil

Brazil presented three requests for training/technical cooperation.  In the first request, Brazil requested exchange of experiences and information on biosafety for handling FMD virus and other pathogens, as well as a visit to the biosafety facility in Winnipeg. In the second request for cooperation, Brazil requested exchange of information about the Canadian pharmacovigilance system. In the third request, Brazil expressed the wish to visit the Canadian agency responsible for setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for veterinary products, as well as exchange of information and experience.

Brazil proposed a visit of five technical staff for each topic of cooperation, i.e. a total of 15 technical staff.

Canada

Canada underscored that the visit to the laboratory in Winnipeg is subject to the laboratory's availability and routine.   Canada informed Brazil that the definition of MRLs of veterinary products is not the responsibility of the CFIA, but of the Veterinary Drug Directorate at Health Canada.

Canada will await the formal proposal, to assess the feasibility of the visit with the appropriate organization concerned.

Action Items

  • Brazil will send a technical cooperation proposal to Canada.
  • Contacts
    • Marcos Vinicius Leandro (MAPA, Brazil)
    • Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

3. International Trade Policy Update

a. Status of WTO Agriculture Negotiations/Discuss respective Free-Trade Negotiations with third countries)

Canada

Canada reported on the deadlock at the WTO DOHA negotiations, but that it remained open for discussion, new ideas and ways to advance these negotiations.

Canada noted the good progress made in exploratory discussions with Brazil and MERCOSUR, while recognizing  the existence of sensitive issues. Nonetheless,, Canada is looking forward to the next exploratory meeting to continue discussions on strengthening the economic ties with Brazil and Mercosur.

Currently, one of Canada’s main FTA negotiation efforts is with the European Union. Nine rounds have been held since the launch of negotiations with an expected conclusion in 2012. Other FTA negotiations include Honduras, India, Ukraine and Morocco, as well as the modernization of the existing FTA with Costa Rica, notably in the agricultural area. Canada also mentioned having implemented an FTA with Colombia in August 2011.

Brazil

Brazil asserted that the global crisis reduced imports of important sectors of the Brazilian economy. This fact, coupled with the appreciation of the currencies of some countries, has complicated the international scenario for the advancement of the Doha Round negotiations. However, the Country expressed interest in advancing the agricultural sector. Brazil has been seeking, with the Cairns Group, alternatives for progress on some issues, but recognized that the international agenda and scenario are complicating factors.

With respect to MERCOSUR, Brazil said it cannot enter agreements without considering the block's guidelines and priorities, and pointed out that there are difficulties in reaching consensus among member countries on priorities and other blocks for dialogue. It also informed that it has noticed the increased resistance of the block to the opening of trade with third countries in face of competition with goods coming from China and South Korea in particular.

Brazil mentioned that there is an agreement with Israel and the Palestinians and processing of agreements in the legislatures of the MERCOSUR countries with Egypt, India and South Africa, and several discussions with the Community Council of the Gulf, Mexico, South Korea. It reported having resumed negotiations with the European Union, with summit meetings scheduled for 2012. Brazil mentioned that MERCOSUR and Canada initiated a process of exploratory economic-trade dialogue and negotiations are at a preliminary stage.

As for bilateral trade between Brazil and Canada, Brazil made a brief explanation about the import and export basket, and indicated the possibility of a free trade agreement. However, it stressed that the negotiation priorities are defined within MERCOSUR, and that other areas of the economy besides agriculture are considered. For Brazil, from the perspective of agriculture, expectations are positive regarding the progress of Brazil-Canada negotiations.

b. Discussion on international grains movement

Brazil

Brazil has shown concern about the possible quarantine regulations on the exportation of Brazilian grains, since it believes that importing countries are concerned about diversion of grain use. In this sense, Brazil expressed great concern about the possibility of the issue resulting in an International Standard for Phytosanitary Measure (ISPM), with loss to the grain trade. From the Brazilian perspective, there is no need to establish a quarantine requirement.

Brazil asked what the Canadian position is on the matter, because it is aware that Canada hosted a workshop suggested by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) on this topic in Vancouver.

Canada

Canada clarified that the workshop was organized by the North American Regional Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) while Canada hosted the event.  The purpose of the workshop was to determine whether an international standard is needed to provide guidance on the issue.

Canada stressed that it is closely aligned with the position expressed by the representative of COSAVE, which addresses several points of common interest, and stated that the minutes of the workshop will soon be available on the website of NAPPO.

Just as Brazil, Canada is a major exporter of grains and has faced difficulties in this matter, and considered the measures taken by some countries excessive.

Action Items

  • The countries agreed that it is necessary to coordinate their positions. Bilateral meeting between experts scheduled for the day before the CPM, which will take place in March.
  • Contacts
    • Cósam Coutinho (MAPA, Brazil)
    • Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

4. Domestic Trade Policy and Programs

a. Business Risk Management Programs

Brazil

Brazil reported having developed a program of agricultural insurance in 2005. It pointed out that despite budgetary problems; the program has grown considerably in recent years. However, recently the Brazilian government has been discussing a way to develop its programs modeled on AAFC’s AgriStability and AgriInvest programs, and therefore the Canadian expertise could be helpful in this process.

In this regard, Brazil requested Canadian cooperation to deliver a seminar to a restricted group of technical staff from the Brazilian government and private bodies, to further discuss the two programs.

Brazil asked whether Canada is aware of any other country that has developed programs similar to the AgriStability and AgriInvest, which could also attend the proposed seminar.

The organization, funding and logistics would be covered by the Brazilian side, which proposed that the meeting take place in September 2012.

Canada

Canada agreed to provide information about the design of the programs, including the technical-level management, as well as Brazil’s proposal of holding the seminar organized by Brazil in September.   Canada indicated similar business risk management programs may exist in other countries, but unaware of the extent of these programs.

For information purposes, Canada provided an overview of the AgriStability, AgriInvest and AgriInsurance programs.  Canada explained that jurisdiction over agriculture is shared between the provincial governments and the federal government. The provinces are responsible for outlining the insurance programs for production and crops, but require the federal guidelines to do so. 

AgriStability is a program that takes into account all farm operations. Payments are made according to the decline in production margins when compared with the historical series. The program is based on producers' income tax information, as well as additional information provided by them. The use of data is intensive and provides the correct payment in a timely fashion, to the right people.

AgriInvest provides an annual payment to producers, similarly to European programs. However, one difference is that it observes farms' production in the current year. This is a savings account in which governments make deposits equivalent to the producers' deposits. The program also uses income tax information and trains farmers to manage risks in their operations. Producers may have progressive income discounts or they may make investments in their own operations to increase the farm's capacity.

AgriInsurance has existed in Canada for over 50 years, and aims to minimize the producers' losses from natural disasters. The federal government shares with the ten provinces the responsibility for developing and conducting the program. The costs, however, are also shared with the producers, who are responsible for about 40% of the premium. The program covers about 85% of crops in Canada, which corresponds to about 66.7 million acres under insurance.

Action Items

  • Brazil invited Canada to present details of the Canadian income stabilization programs (AgriStability and AgriInvest) and will later send the details of the seminar that will be hosted by Brazil. Canada accepted Brazil's invitation and will cooperate in discussions on the development of insurance programs in Brazil.
  • Contacts
    • Marcelo Guimaraes (MAPA, Brazil)
    • John Wheeler (AAFC, Canada)

5. Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues

a. Exports of Canadian seed potatoes

Canada reported that in June 2011 it submitted comments and questions regarding the new requirements for Brazilian imports of seed potatoes, and the status of enforcement of these requirements.

With respect to the legislation, Brazil stated that the law that regulates the production of seed potatoes dates from 1987, and as a result of the new seed law, published in 2003, it was necessary to update the legislation specific to potatoes. The work of upgrading the standard started in 2009, and was submitted to public consultation in 2011. At this point, several proposals have been submitted, including from Canada.

Brazil reports having scheduled a meeting with the Brazilian Potato Association to discuss the proposals coming from other countries. It underscored that the need for dialogue with the private sector is due to the characteristics of potato production in Brazil, and that in face of the particularities of the national productive sector a foreign proposal might not be appropriate. The work will be concluded only after this discussion.

Canada has requested a response to its comments with regard to the Brazilian draft regulations, submitted in June 2011, via email, for consideration and discussion. The proposal was accepted by the Brazilian authorities.
Canada asked whether the Circular Letter N. 99/DSV is in force for Canadian imports. Brazil clarified that Circular Letter N. 99/DSV is not in force since the 12th of January, when a new internal standard governing the importation of seed potatoes from Canada was issued. A copy of the new standard was delivered to the Canadian delegation. This internal standard will be valid until the issue of a normative instruction setting out the specific additional declarations of quarantine pests and pests present in Canada. Brazil informed that it intends to complete and submit the Normative Instruction to the Canadian NPPO for evaluation by the end of March (60 days).

Action Items

  • Brazil will send a response to the Canadians questions presented in June 2011, via email. Brazil pledges to send to Canada Internal Standard DSV of January 12th, 2012 in digital format. The two countries agreed to hold two conference calls: the first with the Department of Supervision of Agricultural Inputs (DFIA) and CFIA, and the second between the Department of Plant Health (DSV) and CFIA.
  • Contacts:
    • Cósam Coutinho (DSV, MAPA, Brazil)
    • Agwagner Dutra (DFIA, MAPA, Brazil)
    • Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

b. Market access for Brazilian papayas

Brazil stated that the studies requested by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) were sent both in print and in digital media to Canada in September 2010, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) of Brazil. Brazil also stated that the active principle is the same as the one used in Canada, which comes from India, and that Syngenta remains interested in establishing the MRL limits for export of papaya to Canada. It was informed that the contact of Syngenta in Canada for any questions and follow-up of the registration is Mrs. Anabel Ueckermann.

Canada has not acknowledged receipt and said that Syngenta needs to send the documentation accompanied by a letter requesting the establishment of limits to the PMRA.

Action Items

  • Brazil will request to Syngenta the submission of the MRL application for thiabendazole and diethyldithiocarbamate (DCBE) for Brazilian papaya and will forward the printed studies through the Brazilian Embassy.
  • Contacts
    • Ana Carolina Lamy (MAPA, Brazil)
    • Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

c. Market access for Brazilian beef and pork

Brazil

Brazil remarked that the reports on the visit conducted in March by the technical staff of CFIA to the State of Santa Catarina for export of pork and to other states for export of beef, are in the final phase of analysis. Brazil considered the analysis of the Canadian technical team positive, but Brazil understands that certain points need clarification and undertook to submit comments so that the last visit can be scheduled and the risk analysis completed. Brazil asked whether a health assessment for the swine herd of the State of Santa Catarina is favorable, and if so, whether the State is already automatically eligible to export live animals.

Canada

For Canada, the poultry inspection system was already well known, but the swine system had never been assessed. Canada considered that the matter has moved forward and informed that these inspections were important from the perspective of public health. The visit was useful as it was possible to visit several establishments on the same occasion. As for the health assessment for the swine herd, Canada says that, with regard to animal health, the analysis is favorable to Santa Catarina; and for beef the analysis is also favorable, but other states would have to be evaluated in order to provide a complete view of the Brazilian situation. For the export of live animals, however, further evaluation is necessary.

d. Market access for Canadian ovine and caprine semen and embryos

Canada

Canada sent drafts of certificates for Brazilian imports of ovine and caprine semen and embryos for Brazil's review and comment in October 2011, and says it has not received any comments on the matter.

Brazil

Brazil acknowledged receipt of the drafts. With regard to the certificate for the importation of embryos, Brazil accepted the proposal almost entirely; leaving only a few points not heeded and commented by Brazil due to commitments signed with MERCOSUR. Brazil notes that the restriction on BSE was disregarded on the basis of assurances offered by Canada.

With regard to the certificate for semen, Brazil accepted the Canadian proposal and undertook to forward the document.

Action Items

  • Brazil will send to Canada comments on the international health certificates for ovine and caprine semen and embryos.
  • Contacts
    • Guilherme Marques (MAPA, Brazil)
    • Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

e. Export of Brazilian of poultry meat - Detection of ciprolfloxacin and enrolfloxacin residues

Canada

Canada recognized efforts made by the SDA to advance the issue and has worked in collaboration with Brazil since June 2010. However, residues are still detected in shipments and in order to resolve the issue, Canada would like to schedule a conference call to discuss a solution.

Brazil

Brazil said that after the residue detections, it consulted the productive sector and concluded that it would take 6-8 months to eliminate the risk of shipment of products with quinolone residues to Canada. Companies that violate the maximum residue limit had their exports suspended, but there were shipments already on their way to Canada. Brazil requested that the shipments be returned and that the companies not be removed from the list of establishments eligible to export.

Additionally, MAPA issued Circular N. 01 on January 11th, which accompanied a list of all drugs allowed in Canada, with their limits, and companies have been alerted as to the consequences of a third violation. Brazil will look into ways to ensure the shipment of products without quinolones, and undertook to send a letter to Canada with information on measures taken.

Action Items

  • Brazil will send comments on the actions taken to prevent shipments with quinolone residues. The countries agreed to hold technical discussions via conference call after the CCA meeting, preferably on February 7th.
  • Contacts
    • Vantuil Carneiro (MAPA, Brazil)
    • Daniel Burgoyne (CFIA, Canada)

f. Export of Canadian aquatic animals and products/Changes to Canada's aquatic animal health regulations)

Canada expressed gratitude for the collaboratively way in which Brazil has worked in technical discussions and in animal health certificates for aquatic animals from Canada, and hopes to continue working with Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture in further discussions and negotiations on export certificates of Canadian products not fully covered by existing certificates. Canada also expects to continue collaboration with MAPA in reviewing health certificates for export of aquatic animals and products to Brazil.

Brazil also welcomes the commitment with which Canada has worked on the agreed aquatic health certificates, but stressed the need for discussion and further work for the certification, since Canada announced at the WTO new requirements for importation of aquatic animals and products of aquatic animals, both from wild caught fish and fish farming. It informed that the aquatic animal health service in Brazil is still being structured, and there will be some difficulty to certify what Canada is requiring. Brazil hopes to continue the dialogue to avoid interruption of its commodity exports to Canada.

With respect to the new requirements, Canada said it has extended the enforcement of the new import requirements for a year, to allow more time for understanding of the requirements, and asked whether the export requirements for lobster can be extended to other live crustaceans.

Brazil emphasized that the Canadian requirement was only for the Homarus americanus lobster, and that the requirements are enforced by species. It also informed that Canada can forward a list of crustacean species of interest for assessment, stating whether they products of wild caught fish or aquaculture.

6. Canada-Brazil Cooperation

a. Discuss creation of CCA Working Groups

Canada proposed the establishment of two working groups, similar those established under the Canada-Brazil Joint Committee on Science and Technology; where both countries could identify key areas of mutual benefit, particularly in the agricultural sector.  Canada underlined the involvement of government, private sector groups, and academia to enhance linkages in agribusiness, and science and technology innovation. The potential creation of two workings may expand the scope of the CCA and add another perspective that could help both governments become more efficient in identifying and meeting the needs of each country’s agricultural sectors.

Canada shared a draft term of reference for the creation of working groups as a basis for future discussions on the subject.  Both countries agreed to begin with only two working groups and follow-up with a co-chair conference call to further discuss the proposal.

Brazil agreed with the proposal to include academia and the private sector in the working groups, as it may add a broader perspective on issues and opportunities affecting both countries. However, the participation of academia and the private sector in collaboration with the government will be a new experience for Brazil. Brazil plans to mobilize a group to discuss and review the draft proposal submitted by Canada, and identify key areas for working groups.

Canada referred to the International Science and Technology Partnerships Programs (ISTPP) as a tool to promote international collaborative research between Canada and Brazil. The program aims to promote and support bilateral research projects that have potential for developing trade between Canada and the partner country.

Action Items

  • Brazil will examine the Canadian proposal and the creation of two working groups. The countries agreed to hold a co-chair conference call in April 2012 to verify the feasibility of the working groups, determine the parameters, and identify areas of mutual interest for collaboration.
  • Contacts
    • Jamshed Merchant (AAFC-AESB, Canada)
    • Célio Porto (MAPA, Brazil)

b. Discussion of multilateral issues (IICA and G20)

With respect to multilateral discussions within FAO, Canadian officials discussed the feasibility of using the Codex subcommittees to conduct a rapid risk assessment in Low Level Presence (LLP) incidents, as well as make recommendations for countries affected by the possible mitigation measures.

Within the IICA and FAO, Canada noted there are several points of contact between Ambassador Benedito Lobos and José Graziano aiming to expand cooperation between the countries.

As to the G20, Brazil assured that it is attentive to concerns over issues in the wake of the food crisis, despite strong reactions from G20 countries in taking actions to minimize food shortages. In this regard, it informed that the G20 created an agricultural information system that was launched in Rome under the name of AMIS (Agricultural Market Information System), and expressed that it is working actively on the system.

With respect to the IICA, Brazil said it has intensified its participation in the body, and is working to make this body more active in the relationship between the countries. Brazil understands that the relationship between IICA and FAO should be synergistic, but noted that the IICA has a specific relationship to the Americas, and that duplication of work should be avoided.

c. Update on annual meeting of Market Information Organizations of the Americas

Canada gave a brief explanation of the annual meeting of the Market Information Organizations of the Americas (MIOA), held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in November 2011. The goal of the MIOA is to disseminate market information among countries, and issues that could be the focus of cooperation between Canada and Brazil.  Canada indicated some common points of work between the two countries: translation of the website to Portuguese and French; creation of a Pan American dictionary of olericulture terms; analysis of the olericulture market between Brazil and Canada; common approaches to evaluation of the agricultural labor market; discussion of methodologies to ensure the accuracy of market information; and the search for approaches to ensure adequate remuneration to agricultural workers.

Brazil stated that it is working to organize the market information of the agricultural sector, particularly with regard to price information. It mentioned that it has worked with the private sector to develop a new methodology for prices at producer, retail and wholesale levels, as well as a new assessment of the international price of agricultural products. Brazil informed that it will take to the forum the discussion on conjuncture analysis, because it believes there is a possibility of information exchange.

Brazil also considers it important to discuss new methodologies to enhance accuracy of market information, and believes that significant improvements can be incorporated. Regarding adequate remuneration to agricultural workers, Brazil shows concern and stresses that there is an opportunity for fruits and vegetable producers under the scope of MAPA, where the issue can be discussed. Brazil believes that both countries can grow significantly when cooperating, and proposed a video conference for mid-year, to further cooperation between the countries in the area of ​​market transparency.

Action Items

  • The countries agreed to hold a video conference to discuss the methodologies technically and deepen cooperation on market information. The videoconference will be held before the next meeting of MIOA, preferably by July.
  • Contacts
    • Gayatri Shankarraman (AAFC, Canada – new contact); (note: Ron Gerold, AAFC – previous contact)
    • Aroldo Antônio de Oliveira Neto (CONAB, Brazil)
    • Edna Matsunaga (CONAB, Brazil)

d. Update on the AAFC-EMBRAPA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Canada mentioned there is a lot of information exchange with Brazilian universities. There are four research projects in progress and there are also research programs for foreign students in which Brazil participates. It also informed that the Saint Hyacinthe Science Park will sign a cooperation agreement with the Biotec Viçosa and the Universidade Federale de Vicosa to promote technology transfer between companies, as well as expand cooperation and carry out activities of common interest to both countries.

Canada provided an overview of the actions within the scope of the Memorandum of Understanding between AAFC and Embrapa, reporting that there are six general topics, and the topics that are under way involve the issues of ecology of the environment, quality of wheat and issues related to milk and its products. For Canada the cooperation is beneficial and it understands that expanding cooperation is a sound initiative.

Canada invited Brazil to participate in the 5th INNOVET International Conference to be held in Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec, on October 15th-17th, 2012.

Brazil said it was satisfied with the memorandum, but considers it necessary to create concrete projects, to avoid informal work. In this sense, it said it was necessary to formalize and develop projects to further develop the cooperation.

Action Items

  • Both countries will continue to talk to reach an agreement on future research to be developed under the MOU between EMBRAPA-AAFC.
  • Both countries will discuss opportunities to strengthen links between Canadian and Brazilian universities and biotechnology companies.
  • Brazil will consider participating in the INNOVET Conference.
  • Contacts
    • Carole Morneau (AAFC, Canada)
    • José Prazeres Ramalho de Castro (Embrapa/MAPA, Brazil)

7. Agri-Environment Collaboration

Canada opened the topic by providing an overview of bilateral collaboration and emphasized the alignment between the countries on issues related to agriculture and the environment. Canada reported that after the last meeting of the CCA, in Canada, some items were established for cooperation between the countries, as follows:

a. Measuring and Monitoring

The measuring and monitoring activities involve satellite observation to monitor changes in the context of agriculture and how agriculture interacts with the environment. Overall the work focuses on land use change, mapping of crops, crop condition assessment, forecasting of production, land degradation, and drought monitoring.   According to Canada, both countries have activities and technological basis for information exchange in areas of mutual interest, and at present collaboration is in the development phase, but progressing well.

Canada noted that the cooperation work can grow in the scope of JECAM (Joint Experiment on Crop Assessment and Monitoring) and GEO-GLAM (Group on Earth Observation - Global Agricultural Monitoring Initiative), activities in which both countries participate. It stressed that the next steps would be to bring some Brazilian research websites to the JECAM community. This cooperation will help to explore areas of common interest, and develop and implement bilateral projects.

Action Items

  • Establish inventory of all the relevant cooperation between AAFC and EMBRAPA, identifying the specific interests of researchers in collaborative research activities; development of list of potential joint projects. Deadline set for April 25th, 2012.
  • Evaluate the feasibility and begin implementation of priority projects. Deadline set for September 25th, 2012.
  • Contacts
    • Ian Jarvis (AAFC, Canada)
    • Luiz Eduardo Vicente (EMBRAPA, Brazil)

b. Integrated Pest Management

Canada stressed that within AAFC's strategic scientific plan, research on protection of plant varieties is of paramount importance. The research on protection of plant varieties is carried out in at least 15 of 19 research centers throughout Canada and there are about 80 researchers involved in the matter.

Brazil also underscored the importance of research on plant variety protection in the scope of Embrapa. The subject is explored in various Brazilian biomes and for various crops. Given the abundance of information on the subject, there are opportunities for cooperation and information exchange.

Given the importance of the subject, points of interest between Brazil and Canada for technical collaboration on integrated pest management were identified in previous technical discussions:

  • Impact of climate change on disease control.
  • Invasion of exotic species.
  • Technologies for biological control.
  • Modeling, prediction, tracking and monitoring of pest population.
  • Crop Protection Research: soybean, with respect to control soybean rust; grape, for control of nematodes, root diseases and phytoplasms; beans, for diseases such as white mold, viruses, soil diseases; production in greenhouses, for invasive diseases, root diseases, among others.

Another area of ​​interest was also briefly addressed in previous technical meetings and concerns exchange and collaboration in the area of ​​germplasm and canola and wheat breeding.

Canada stressed that there are opportunities to work in international collaboration and information sharing, which could increase research capacity in Brazil and Canada. In this sense, Canadian participation in the International CAB (CABI) was mentioned, as well as cooperation projects with countries such as China, South Korea and European Union; and on the Brazilian side, participation in the BBSRC, in the UK, joint projects with other countries, and EMBRAPA offices abroad were mentioned.

Action Items

  • Establish inventory of all the relevant cooperation between AAFC and MAPA/EMBRAPA, identifying the specific interests of researchers in collaborative research activities; development of list of potential joint projects. Deadline set for April 25th, 2012.
  • Evaluate the feasibility and begin implementation of priority projects. Deadline set for September 25th, 2012.
  • Contacts
    • Gary Whitfield (AAFC, Canada)
    • Marcelo Morandi (Embrapa/MAPA, Brazil)

c. Agroforestry

Canada expressed interest in advancing discussions and cooperation regarding three initiatives that have been explored in Brazil: low carbon agriculture, sustainable agriculture practices, and agrosilvopastoral systems. In addition to increased production and income that these agroforestry systems allow, there is interest in measuring and expanding the benefits for carbon sequestration and creation of biomass for bioenergy, as well as studying the management of riparian areas that provide economic return, and that also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Brazil said that a lot of dialogue is still needed, and that it is open to it. Currently Embrapa Cerrados works with the crop-livestock integration systems in research and technology transfer.

Action Items

  • Establish inventory of all the relevant cooperation between AAFC and MAPA/EMBRAPA, identifying the specific interests of researchers in collaborative research activities; development of list of potential joint projects. Deadline set for April 25th, 2012.
  • Evaluate the feasibility and begin implementation of priority projects. Deadline set for September 25th, 2012.
  • Canada will invite Brazil to participate in the North American Agroforestry Conference, taking place in 2013 in the city of Charlottetown, in order to explore approaches in the use of trees as part of sustainable agricultural systems.
  • Contacts
    • Scott Wright (AAFC-AESB, Canada)
    • Paul Galerani (Embrapa/MAPA, Brazil)

d. Global Research Alliance

Canada announced it will host the next meeting of the Global Research Alliance, since it will chair the alliance. In the Canadian view, Global Research Alliance is a tool that can make a difference and help countries cope with the effects of climate change on agriculture in a sustainable and profitable manner. Thus, it is not just promotion of science, but the translation of science into technologies that assist in this process.

Brazil underscored that tackling climate change requires understanding the role of agriculture in this process and seek to contribute to reduce carbon emissions. However, for Brazil, the key role of agriculture and the goal of research for the agricultural sector is to improve the sector's resilience and productivity, so that the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will result from good agricultural practices.

Moreover, Brazil said it is seeking to understand how the process takes place within the Alliance, as it became a member recently and sees a need for further negotiations in order to strengthen research cooperation among member countries. Brazil considers it necessary to engage researchers in a constructive way that goes beyond bilateral cooperation. Brazil plans to take the opportunity to increase knowledge exchange capacity among researchers and hopes to achieve this goal.

With respect to the Alliance's operation, Canada said that the joint inter-ministerial statement of the Global Research Alliance provides for the inclusion of development, research and technology transfer agencies. The document emphasizes the creation of broad partnerships. Thus, Canada considers it necessary to involve other institutions such as FAO and the World Bank, for example, so that the technologies and information developed by the Alliance can be easily disseminated among less developed countries.

Canada proposed the discussion of themes for bilateral cooperation in the areas of livestock, crops and soils, for further development and possible engagement of scientists, and if successful, take the discussions to the Alliance. Brazil said that discussions can take place, but any technical collaboration needs to follow the procedures set out in Brazilian legislation. Thus, technical cooperation requires the establishment of goals and EMBRAPA’s Gustavo Mozzer and AAFC’s Marie Boehm were listed as focal points to filter the most promising topics for cooperation in the scope of the Global Research Alliance.

Areas of interest to be explored in a potential collaboration include: methane emissions in livestock: measurement, management and mitigation; bio-digesters, methane conversion into energy; soil emission, management and mitigation; organic farming systems; measurement of greenhouse gas emission; and carbon sequestration in agricultural areas.

Action Items

  • A conference will be held to define possible areas of collaboration; and discussions will continue to further define possible areas of collaboration.
  • Establish inventory of all the relevant cooperation between AAFC and MAPA/EMBRAPA, identifying the specific interests of researchers in collaborative research activities; development of list of potential joint projects. Deadline set for April 25th, 2012.
  • Evaluate the feasibility and begin implementation of priority projects. Deadline set for September 25th, 2012.
  • Contacts
    • Marie Boehm (RB-AAFC, Canada)
    • Gustavo Mozzer (Embrapa/MAPA, Brazil)