At least two consortia of agricultural cooperatives want to negotiate directly with suppliers to escape the influence of large international trading companies: the National Consortium of Agricultural Cooperatives (Coonagro), established in Paraná, and the Brazilian Agricultural Cooperative Consortium (CCAB).
In Egypt, Benedito met with executives at companies Poliserve, Egyptian Fertilizer, Egyptian Financial & Industrial Co. and Helwan Fertilizers. "They are all interested in establishing new contracts," stated the director. These companies export products like urea, super phosphates and ammonium nitrate, among others.
In Jordan, he visited Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and Arab Potash Company, which export rock phosphate, phosphoric acid and potassium chloride, among others. "Jordan has been modernizing and is a good country to work in and establish relations," stated Benedito.
According to the director, apart from direct import of fertilizers, Brazilian producers may also study the possibility of establishing joint ventures with suppliers, as a way to guarantee supply through direct investment. Jordan Phosphate, for example, has partnerships of the kind with companies in Asia and exports a large share of its products to the continent.
Brazil is among the main agricultural producers and exporters in the world, but depends on imports of fertilizers. The Arab nations, in turn, are great importers of foods, but several are important producers of fertilizers. In this respect, the Ministry of Agriculture is trying to foster business based on this complementary characteristic in the agricultural area.
Anba