Financiamento internacional para o setor agroindustrial no Mato Grosso: uma oportunidade para conservação?

Abstract

One of the major trends linked to the process of globalization is the expansion of agro-industry into the humid tropics. Although agro-industry is an important source of income for Brazil , it is also leading to the displacement of local populations and extensive clearing of native vegetation. In this context, we focus on a second trend resulting from globalization in which financial institutions have demonstrated increasing concern with environmental and social responsibility, notably through the inclusion of environmental and social conditions on loans to the agricultural sector. In this article, we assess the potential for this type of economic instrument to help reduce the negative impacts of agroindustrial expansion through the lens of two International Finance Corporation loans to Brazil ’s Grupo Maggi. We also examine how the different actors who are shaping this debate (non-governmental organizations, industries, the finance sector, government) can best help to realize this potential.