Rio, November 24, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, Roberto Rodrigues, defended public-private partnerships in the areas of technology, logistics and infrastructure, sanitary protection, agrarian reform, agricultural marketing, international negotiations, and lobbying, at the opening of the 5th Agrobusiness Congress. When asked about his defense of lobbying, he explained that more energetic activity by entrepreneurs linked to agrobusiness is fundamental in the National Congress and the media.

The Minister highlighted the growth of grain production this year and the efficiency of Brazilian farmers. And he recalled that nine sectorial chambers are already operating to stimulate partnerships. "To continue growing, the challenges are very strong, and we shall only accomplish this through a broad partnership between public and private sectors," he added. (DAS)