October 10, 2007

Strikes at inspection agency threatens Brazil's meat exports 

Brazil's agricultural exports dropped 1.4 percent in September from August due to an extended strike by the country's food inspection agents, local business daily Gazeta Mercantil reported Tuesday (October 9, 2007). 

Workers at Brazil's federal food inspection agency, or Anffa, have organised strikes off and on since June, with the longest strike period extending between Aug. 28 and Sept. 25.

All Brazilian ports were affected by the strike, causing significant shipment delays and losses in revenues for exporters, according to Gazeta.

Between August and September, exports that suffered the most were pork, beef and chicken, according to the business daily.

Pork shipments dropped 25.57 percent compared to August, while chicken exports were 21.41 percent lower than the previous month.

This was also the lowest month for beef exports in 2007, with a 10.85 percent reduction from August, said Gazeta. Brazil is the world's top beef exporter.

Corn exports were affected as well, with only 70 percent of 1.9 million tonnes corn contracts shipped last month according to  agribusiness consulting firm Safras & Mercado.

The ministry of agriculture is negotiating to end the stand-off.