UK food businesses including Tesco PLC (LON:TSCO), WM Morrison Supermarkets PLC’s (LON:MRW), J Sainsbury PLC (LON:SBRY) and Greggs PLC (LON:GRG) have signed an open letter on the protection of the Amazon.
Nearly 40 companies warned the National Congress of Brazil that they will stop sourcing products from the South American country over a bill that could accelerate deforestation in the Amazon.
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They are calling deputies and senators to reject a proposed law that could legalise the private occupation of public land.
UK food has global roots. Individual businesses can make sustainable choices in their supply chains but government protections and laws have their part to play. Thank you to these businesses & their customers in supporting the #FightForOurWorld https://t.co/KOl6jwKGTO
— Sarah Wakefield (@sarahewakefield) May 5, 2021
“Over the past year, we have seen a series of circumstances result in extremely high levels of forest fires and deforestation in Brazil. At the same time, we have noted that the targets to reduce these levels, as well as the enforcement budgets available to deliver them, are increasingly inadequate,” the letter read.
“These measures are counter to the narrative and rhetoric we have seen internationally from Brazil as recently as 22 April 2021 at the summit with US President Joe Biden.”
The Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Wednesday or Thursday.