Brazilian Federal agricultural officials responsible for issuing permits for import and export shipments at ports, airports and border points of the country, began to fight for better wages and against the proposed state cuts.

The strike is expected to most affect the exports of Brazil, as striking workers will not be required to issue international certificates guaranteeing Brazilian origin agricultural products, and allow their legal export from the country, said the leadership of the Union Sindicato Nacional dos Fiscais Agropecuários. Without a certificate the goods will not be able to leave the country.

The strike will be another blow to the troubled agricultural sector of Brazil, which has suffered from falling prices to record highs in recent years because of slowing growth in China and weak global economy.

Brazil is the world's largest exporter of coffee, orange juice, sugar, frozen chicken, beef and is a major exporter of soybeans in the United States.

The Union is seeking higher wages, which should cover the damages that employees have suffered, in their opinion, as a result of high inflation Brazil, which accounted for 9.53% of in August, double targets of the government at 4.5%, plus or minus 2%.

The Union said it will continue to provide services that are necessary to ensure the health of humans and animals, and that he will not block the import or export of perishables and live loads that can not be sent to the warehouse.

The Union, however, has not reported how many participants are on strike or the strike will affect the work of governmental agencies which workers joined the strike.

Source: Thomson Reuters