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BRAZIL
The primary focus of international market development activities is branded promotions. No direct government funds are provided to commodity groups. Also, because of the high concentration of a few firms in the processing of a given agricultural product, foreign market development activities are basically restricted to large food companies and industrial groups with vast interests in the agricultural sector. Major exceptions are for small companies which are supported by SEBRAE, a quasi-government organization responsible for assisting small and medium-size companies. Total government funding for export promotion is $240,000. Private sector market promotion funding is $1.3 million.
SEBRAE pays small business expenses to international trade shows; and offers short-term loans to companies at subsidized interest rates for market promotion. Funding for SEBRAE's export market promotions is estimated to be $240,000 in 1996. The Bank of Brazil also subsidizes interest rates for financing pavilions at trade shows. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs generally provides only logistic support at Brazilian Embassies and Consulates for trade shows and trade teams.
Major Brazilian market development organizations include the Association of Brazilian Oilseed Crushers (ABIOVE), the Association of Brazilian Poultry Exporters (ABEF), the Association of Brazilian Pork Exporters (ABECS), the Association of Brazilian Beef Exporters (ABIEC), the Association of Brazilian Citrus Processors (ABECITRUS), the Brazilian Association of Food Industry, the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets, and the four forest products organizations (the Association of Amazon Wood Exporters, the Association of Brazilian Plywood Industry, the Association of Brazilian Wood Producers, and the Brazilian Silviculture Society). These organizations act as advocates on trade matters to the Brazilian government and conduct basic market development activities such as trade newsletters, educational seminars, and trade missions. However, their member companies conduct brand promotions in overseas markets. Private sector funding totaled $1.3 million.
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