BRAZIL, the world’ s leading chicken exporter, is confronting increasing trade and health challenges following the confirmation of its first highly pathogenic avian influenza( H5N1) outbreak on a commercial poultry farm, whilst simultaneously advocating for global dialogue on future vaccination strategies. The outbreak was reported in Montenegro, situated in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, a region responsible for 15 per cent of the country’ s poultry output and exports.
The infected farm reportedly supplies Vibra Foods, a Tyson Foods-backed company. The virus has already claimed 17,000 chickens either through infection or precautionary culling, according to state officials.
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Brazil’ s agricultural sector swiftly initiated containment efforts. Veterinary teams have sealed off the site and are now monitoring a radius of 10 kilometres.
However, the discovery promptly triggered trade protocols.
Countries such as China, the European Union, and South Korea have implemented their 60-day ban on Brazilian poultry products. Argentina, on the other hand, has temporarily suspended imports altogether until the country is declared free of the disease.
While nations such as Japan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have adopted a more regional approach- limiting restrictions to the affected state or municipality- the disruption poses a significant threat to Brazil’ s poultry trade, which generated approximately US $ 10 billion in
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2024 and accounted for 35 per cent of the global market.
Amidst this, Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro has brought Brazil’ s case to the international stage.
Speaking in Paris on 6 June during the World Organisation for Animal Health meeting, he proposed that Brazil host a global animal health conference in 2026.
“ Brazil would be prepared to host a global conference on animal health in 2026,” Favaro said, adding that it could serve as the appropriate forum to discuss poultry vaccination and trade barriers.
Many countries currently impose restrictions on imports from nations that utilise vaccines. Favaro argued for cooperation, stating:“ There should be a discussion involving sellers and buyers to waive any restrictions in case vaccination is
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adopted.” He also addressed domestic and international concerns.
“ We can calm the market and consumers by demonstrating that other parts of the country pose no risk of an outbreak... and with that, secure some flexibility from those countries implementing a total ban.”
Despite the crisis, the Agriculture Ministry assured the public that“ The Brazilian and world population can rest assured about the safety of inspected products, and there are no restrictions on their consumption.”
On a more positive note, Brazil has celebrated a significant achievement- earning formal certification as free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination, a milestone Favaro called“ historic”, which opens new doors for beef exports to premium markets such as Japan.
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INDONESIA is set to commence monthly rice exports to Malaysia, a move that indicates the country’ s readiness to engage with the global export market after years of depending on imports.
The Agriculture Ministry has confirmed the plan, stating that the necessary administrative processes are now underway. The plan, currently still in the administrative stage, follows initial discussions with Malaysian authorities and interested buyers.
“ Talks have been held with
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Malaysian counterparts, and we’ ve met with potential buyers,” Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono B. Eng stated during his visit to Karawang, West Java.
“ We’ re now finalising the details. Once President Prabowo Subianto gives the go-ahead, we’ re ready to proceed.”
He noted that Malaysia, which relies on multiple international suppliers, has already agreed to the proposed initial volume. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman has also followed up with
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Malaysian officials to reinforce the deal. Currently, Malaysia’ s local rice production meets only 40 – 50 per cent of its national demand, which contributes to rising retail prices.
The export initiative comes at a time when Indonesia’ s rice stocks, managed by the State logistics agency Bulog, have approached nearly four million tonnes. This surplus was partly achieved through a suspension of rice imports, a decision that has affected global rice markets.
Sudaryono explained:“ The global rice price drop is primarily due to
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Indonesia’ s absence from the import market,
“ As one of the largest rice importers, our withdrawal has had a significant ripple effect, pushing global supply up and prices down.”
While international prices have weakened, domestic rice prices in Indonesia remain stable, bolstered by consistent demand and strategic stockpiles. Amran has emphasised that the country’ s reserves are adequate to support local consumption, social aid programmes, and, now, potential exports.- @ AGROBiz
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