Brazil to buy rice from Mercosur countries to feed storm-hit Rio Grande do Sul

Published May 13, 2024

Tridge summary

Brazil's National Supply Company (Conab) will purchase one million tons of rice to feed the people of Rio Grande do Sul and prevent middle market profiteering during a crisis caused by unprecedented storms. The federal government authorized the purchase through public auctions at market price to prevent price increases. The relief operations and logistical challenges have resulted in significant displacement and loss, with over 600,000 people evacuated from their homes. This measure is part of efforts to ensure food stability and affordability for the Brazilian population. Criticism has been leveled at previous administrations for ceasing Conab's food purchases, leading to insufficient reserves.

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Original content

Brazil's National Supply Company (Conab) has been entrusted with purchasing one million tons of rice to feed the people of Rio Grande do Sul and avoid the intervention of middle people seeking a black market profit from the victims of the unprecedented storms. Under normal circumstances, Rio Grande do Sul accounts for 70% of Brazil's rice production. According to the latest report, 143 have died so far since April 29 while 125 others are missing and 806 injured whereas the number of people evacuated from their homes reached 618,000, with 81,000 of them in shelters and 537,000 housed elsewhere, with either friends or relatives. Relief operations have resulted in 76,399 people and 10,555 animals rescued as 446 municipalities statewide have been affected. Further rain and cold weather forecasts for the next few days keep authorities on guard. In this scenario, the federal government published on Friday in the Official Gazette (DOU) the measure authorizing the Conab to import up to ...

Source: MercoPress