Good morning! This week, we talk about how Lula wants to use credit as a way to get closer to Brazil’s farmers. What is preventing the decarbonization of Brazil’s shipping sector. A major debt renegotiation deal. And the looming pensions crisis.
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Getting in the good books of farmers
One year ago, Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro was uninvited to the opening of Agrishow, Brazil’s biggest agricultural fair. The organizers feared that Mr. Fávaro’s presence would irritate last year’s guest of honor: far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is generally very popular among farmers.
Flash-forward. In 2024, however, Mr. Fávaro and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin were warmly welcomed by the event, which kicked off on Sunday. Mr. Bolsonaro is only expected to make an appearance at Agrishow today.
Bearing gifts. The relationship between farmers and the Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva administration is by no means a warm one. But it has become less confrontational since the government made a record amount of money available through the 2023-2024 Harvest Plan, Brazil’s main agricultural...