A modern and transparent approach will be taken to ensure that rice is affordable for Brazilians
The Brazilian Federal Government, through the National Supply Company (Conab), has announced the cancellation of the public auction for the purchase of imported milled rice. This decision was made due to concerns about the technical and financial capabilities of the winning companies. The new auction process aims to ensure transparency and fairness, providing Brazilian consumers with a fair price for rice.
Federal government stops controversial rice auction
On June 11, the Brazilian federal government, represented by Conab, announced the cancellation of the recent public auction of imported milled rice. The auction, held on June 6, tested the competence and financial stability of the participating companies. The decision to cancel came after a meeting at the Palacio do Planalto, which highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and efficient procurement process.
Ensuring fair play and tightening participation requirements
Following the cancellation, Conab will review the auction mechanisms with the support of the Attorney General’s Office (AGU) and the Comptroller General’s Office (CGU). The goal is to establish strict participation criteria to ensure that participating companies have the necessary financial and technical capabilities for such large-scale operations.
Carlos Favaro, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the need for a more robust auction structure: “We recognize the need to improve the notification and auction process, ensuring comprehensive government support. We will develop mechanisms to assess the financial capacity of participants and the sector. experience in advance.”
New Auction Process to Regulate Rice Stocks
A new auction will be scheduled, but the date has not yet been determined. The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to reintroduce stock control policies, thereby preventing price speculation. This is especially important given the challenges faced by rice farmers in Rio Grande do Sul following recent climate disasters.
Odegar Pretto, President of Conab, assured that public funds have not yet been spent, emphasizing the commitment to legal and financial prudence: “Legal security and financial responsibility are indisputable principles that justify our decision.”
Minister of Agricultural Development and Family Agriculture Paulo Teixeira reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable food prices: “President Lula insists on fair prices for rice and other staple foods, ensuring that they are affordable within the income limits of the Brazilian population. this position.”
Striving for affordable prices in the face of food insecurity
Conab was allowed to purchase up to 1 million tons of rice, and auctions were planned based on the needs of the population. Rice will be sold in areas with high levels of food insecurity at a maximum price of 4 reais per kilogram, with a five-kilogram package costing no more than 20 reais.
The federal government’s decision to cancel the recent rice auction underscores its commitment to transparency and fair prices in food procurement. By revising the auction process and ensuring strict participation criteria, the government aims to stabilize rice prices and support food insecure regions. This proactive approach demonstrates a balanced commitment to economic prudence and social welfare, ensuring that basic food products remain accessible to all Brazilians.
