Legalities and Politics within
the Brazilian Coffee Trade:
This chapter argues that political forces within the Brazilian coffee industry have played a central role in intensifying the environmental and social crises of the Anthropocene, as revealed through key political events from the industry’s origins in Brazil’s early government to its continued expansion today.
To understand how political decisions have shaped Brazil’s coffee industry and its environmental impact, it is important to consider key historical events beginning with:
The Colonialization of North America
In the 1500s and 1600s, European settlers were responsible for the deaths of 54 million Indigenous and African people across South, Central, and North America.
This led to the widespread abandonment and reforestation of farmland, with 56 million hectares undergoing secondary succession. As a result, global atmospheric CO₂ levels decreased, contributing to a 0.15°C drop in surface air temperatures [11].
The 17-19th Century Slave Trade
Between 3.5 and five million African slaves entered Brazil between 1538 and 1850,
From the 17th to the 19th centuries, coffee and cacao production in Brazil was marked by widespread forced labour and exploitation.
Native Americans in the Amazon rainforest and African workers in the state of Bahia were subjected to harsh conditions, fueling the country's growing agricultural economy.
“Golden Law” to abolish human slavery was established in 1888 [13].
Brazilian government historical roots continued:
-
1822 – Brazil gains independence from Portugal, laying the groundwork for its economic and political structures.
-
1889–1930 – The Old Republic era, during which coffee production becomes a dominant force in the global economy.
-
1929 – The Great Depression triggers economic instability, severely disrupting the coffee trade.
-
1930 Revolution & The Vargas Era (1930–1945) – Government intervention reshapes Brazil’s economy and the coffee industry[2][4].
-
2012 – The revised Brazilian Forest Code (originally enacted in 1965) introduced new land use and conservation regulations, impacting climate goals and biodiversity. However, critics highlight negative effects, and its implementation has been inconsistent due to shifting political priorities[12].
Child Slavery Today
While child labour is illegal in Brazil, it still occurs in some regions, particularly in rural and agricultural areas.
In certain communities, it is culturally accepted for children to help with farm work, including harvesting coffee. However, such practices often violate Brazilian labour laws and international child rights standards. Efforts are ongoing to address and reduce child labour in the country [5].
The Brazilian Forest Code (Código Florestal Brasileiro) is one of the most important environmental laws in Brazil.
In 2012, the Brazilian Forest Code (originally enacted in 1965) introduced new land use and conservation regulations, impacting climate goals and biodiversity.
The Forest Code mandates the restoration of illegally deforested areas and limits deforestation, which can aid in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. However, studies suggest that full implementation and enforcement are necessary to achieve these benefits.
However, critics highlight negative effects, and its implementation has been inconsistent enforcement[1][12].
Environmental Policies Impacts and Human Rights Policies Explored
The expansion of coffee cultivation in Brazil has contributed to deforestation, habitat loss, and other environmental harms that intensify the effects of the Anthropocene. Critics argue that government policies have had mixed results—while some promote sustainable practices, others have weakened environmental protections. The balance between agricultural expansion and environmental sustainability remains a subject of political debate [9].
Brazil’s coffee trade also has a long history of labour exploitation, affecting both children and adults, as well as ongoing human rights violations. These issues remain pressing today, exacerbated by the absence of effective policies to protect workers' rights [13].
Criminal Activity
The Brazilian coffee industry has been associated with various criminal activities, including labour exploitation and the smuggling of illicit drugs.
In May 2022, Swiss officials discovered almost 500 kg of cocaine concealed among coffee beans at a Nespresso facility in Switzerland. The shipment originated in Brazil, and the drugs were concealed among coffee containers, highlighting the Brazilian coffee supply chain's vulnerability to illicit conduct [6][8].
