Protesters seize Cargill soybean terminal in Brazil during harvest season

In Brazil, indigenous protesters have occupied a зерновий export terminal operated by Cargill in the Amazon region, disrupting soybean shipments at the peak of the harvest season. The incident occurred at the Port of Santarém in Pará state, one of the country’s key agricultural export hubs.

According to local reports, protesters entered the facility overnight and blocked its operations. The demonstration involves members of 14 indigenous tribes opposing a public tender for dredging the Tapajós River and a decree signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva that opens the way for the privatization of river management across parts of the Amazon.

The terminal in Pará is part of a strategic export network that handles more than 40% of Brazil’s soybean and corn shipments from the Amazon region. The occupation comes at a critical time when the country is actively harvesting soybeans and efficient port operations are essential to maintain export flows.

Protesters had previously blocked access roads to the terminal, preventing trucks from unloading soybeans, and briefly disrupted access to the local airport, one of the region’s main transport hubs. These actions have created additional logistical challenges for exporters and the agricultural supply chain.

Cargill called on all parties to prioritize safety and engage in constructive dialogue to restore operations. Meanwhile, industry groups condemned the protest, warning that such actions threaten investment, jobs, and the stability of Brazil’s agricultural export sector.

Tags: Cargill, soybean, protests