Following discussions at a bilateral summit on 24th January, Brazil and the EU have signed an animal welfare agreement, which will see the two powers work more closely to share information and technical advancements with a view to improving welfare.

The agreement, which was ratified during the 6th EU-Brazil Summit, held in Brasilia, promises greater all round cooperation. It was developed by several EU and Brazilian agencies, and will set up a consultation mechanism, which uses the World Organisation for Animal Health's recommendations as a point of reference.

21 percent of Brazil's exports are destined for the EU; although food and drink imports are primarily arable products used in livestock feed, such as soy beans, or coffee, the new agreement and resultant exchange of expertise on animal welfare issues will see regular exchanges designed to improve farming systems.   

The EU is an incredibly demanding market in terms of animal welfare and food safety and trade between the bloc and Brazil, a rapidly expanding economy, is growing.