Taxes: Steviafarma can leave Brazil

The manufacturer of the natural sweetener stevia-based signed an agreement with the Government of Paraguay to take part of the company's production to the country in Exchange for exemption from taxes, according to information from the newspaper Valor Econômico. The company's original intention was to expand the area of Stevia from the current 60 hectares to 160 acres in Maringá (PR). But, according to Fernando Meneguetti, company Vice President, the absence of public policies of the Brazilian Government for the sector led to a change of plans. If nothing is done, the company will leave Brazil once in two years. "It's almost impossible for us to continue competing with Chinese producers with the current load of taxes.", says Mark.