Brazilian Deputy Geraldo Mendes pushes carbon credit bills for family farmers

Deputy Geraldo Mendes (Union‑PR) presented two bills, PL 5.157/2023 and PL 5.287/2023, to enable family farmers to sell carbon credits through Brazil’s Emissions Trading System (SBCE). The first bill was attached to a previous proposal, while the second was archived for duplication. Mendes said the measures aim to integrate small‑scale agriculture into the carbon market without creating a new regulatory framework.

The Federal Police are investigating possible undue influence by businessman Daniel Vorcaro and a driver known as Sidney Santos (“Kiko”), who allegedly visited the offices of at least four deputies, including Mendes, on 7 February 2024. The probe also involves Senator Ciro Nogueira. All the officials have denied any wrongdoing.