27/07/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see Western Australia forge closer agricultural ties with Brazil’s largest State - Sao Paulo.
Mr Chance said the Memorandum of Understanding between the WA State Government and the Government of the State of Sao Paulo would help WA primary producers develop close ties with a huge potential market.
“Sao Paulo has a population of 36 million people and has the highest Gross Domestic Product of any Brazilian State at A$425billion,” the Minister said.
“Like WA, Sao Paulo is a thriving agricultural region, with almost two million hectares of crops under production. To be able to forge a strong relationship with such a thriving State will be of enormous benefit to WA.”
Mr Chance signed the MOU with His Excellency Duarte Nogueira, Secretary of State, Sao Paulo, on Friday, July 15 during the Minister’s visit to Brazil.
“Sao Paulo’s main products are oranges, sugar cane, corn, coffee, soybeans, tomato, manioc, potato, herbaceous cotton, onion, beans, grape, rice, banana and rubber,” the Minister said.
“I am particularly interested in the fact that Sao Paulo is the world’s largest producer of ethanol from sugar cane and I will be evaluating the possibilities for WA’s Ord River region.”
Sao Paulo is the world's largest orange juice producer and accounts for 33 per cent of fruit production and 25 per cent of vegetable production in Brazil.
Coffee is also a major product and Sao Paulo is the fourth largest producer in the world and the third largest in the country.
Key areas of co-operation between the two States will include exchange of data and information on issues relevant to plant and food production, including animal and plant health and production, dairy farming, breeding and animal nutrition.
It will also involve exchange of research, scientific and technical information; development and exchange on technical know-how on farm machinery, equipments and technology; and encouragement of joint ventures and collaboration between private sector companies from both governments for investment in plants, food production and livestock.
“This is a significant day for WA Agriculture and a sign of the commitment of the State Government to assisting WA’s primary producers in accessing new markets,” Mr Chance said.
“We are forging the kind of international relationships that are needed to ensure the agricultural sector continues to be one of the most important sectors of the State’s economy.
“The Gallop Government is ensuring regional WA receives its fair share.”
Minister's office: 9213 6700
