Representing Agribusiness Interests in Brazilian Foreign Policy: The Role of the Parliamentary Agricultural Front (FPA) Between 2015 and 2022

Abstract

This article explores Brazil’s foreign policy related to agribusiness, examining how the Parliamentary Agricultural Front (FPA) leverages its legislative power to influence Brazilian Foreign Policy (BFP) in favour of agribusiness interests. This exploratory study highlights the interests at stake and the formal mechanisms employed by the sector to influence Brazil's international agenda. The analysis covers the period from 2015 to 2022, encompassing two legislative terms under the presidencies of Rousseff (2015-2016), Temer (2016-2018) and Bolsonaro (2019-2022). Methodologically, the study qualifies as research in progress, presenting partial results from an ongoing analysis of FPA activities in the Legislative on foreign policy issues. To this end, the study takes a qualitative approach, drawing on data collected from the House of Representatives database. After discussing the subfield of Foreign Policy Analysis, its focus on interest groups, and the role of the Legislative in foreign policy. Along with a brief overview of agribusiness in Brazilian foreign policy, the study concludes that the FPA uses formal mechanisms, such as requirements, assessments, recommendations, legislative proposals, and the creation of parliamentary groups, to influence Brazilian foreign policy in favour of agribusiness interests.