During the session Minister Stephanes admitted that Brazil does not have a proper list of farms for exports to Europe. The parliament was told that exports to Europe were suspended because Brazil insisted on working from 2,681 farms instead of the agreed 300 farms.

The Minister confirmed that the situation is critical. The Rural Leader of the Senate Katia Abreu said that Minister Stephanes “has shot himself in the foot” as the situation was most grave.

Mr Walshe said that these latest developments seriously damage any attempts by the Brazilians to re-establish trade with Europe. He said “the facts are Brazil fails to meet EU standards and the current ban must be maintained by the EU Commission.”