Priscilla Mazenotti
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - The area of Brazil's planted forests is equal to 8.5% of the country's total farmland at the moment. However, planted forests generate over 10% of the jobs in the agribusiness sector, 14% of the country's exports and more than 10% of sector GDP.

Speaking at the 3rd Brazilian Congress on Sustainable Development for the Forest Industry and Generation of Energy, also known as Madeira (Wood) 2006, minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues, pointed out that the planted forest sector is very efficient. "It occupies less than 10% of the country's farmland area but produces more than 10% in all segments: jobs, exports and GDP," said the minister.

Specialists at the congress are discussing public policy for the sector, along with the impact of planted forests on the economy, society and the environment. Also on the agenda are: renewable energy, the paper and cellulose industry, ecological conservation and sustainability.

Translation: Allen Bennett