Criticized by Environmentalist Groups, Land Transactions with Foreigners Resurface in Brazil

09/18/2017 - 11h43

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MARCELO TOLEDO

FROM RIBEIRÃO PRETO

A bill that has been criticized by a series of environmentalist and human rights groups, enabling foreigners to carry out land transactions in Brazil, will be put to a vote in Brazil's lower house before the end of the year.

Or at least that's what the Brazilian Rural Society (SRB) believes. In 2016 it appealed an injunction issued by Brazil's supreme court (STF) that suspended a São Paulo Justice Tribunal ruling that had enabled Brazilian companies with foreign capital to make rural land transactions in the state of São Paulo.

Foreigners can typically hold ownership of up to three properties - the area of the land varies greatly throughout the country - although, under certain circumstances they can own up to 100 properties, but only if the government grants them authorization.

Brazil's Supreme Court ruled in favor of a decision issued by the Federal Attorney General (AGU) in 2010 that prohibits the use of foreign capital in the acquisition of large rural properties.

"Our discussions have led us to believe that [Congress] will put it to a vote before the end of the year. We find it important that we return to the legislation that was in place prior to the ruling made by the AGU", said Marcelo Vieira, who presides over SRB.

However, the proposal is widely criticized by environmentalist, indigenous and human rights NGOs.

Back in May, the group of NGOs announced the formation of a coalition designed to fend off "ruralist setbacks". Among their concerns are the possibility of a loss of sovereignty and the potential abandonment of land acquired by foreign companies.

Bill number 4,059 has been circulating in Congress for five years.

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

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