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Brazil’s level of support to its agricultural producers is relatively low compared with other countries, but it maintains several domestic support measures, including preferential credit lines and price support mechanisms. During the review period, new programmes were created to finance farmers, including the Medium-Scale Agricultural Producer Support Programme (PRONAMP) and the Low Carbon Agriculture Programme (Programa ABC).

Brazil provides a relatively low level of support to its agricultural producers compared with
OECD countries (see below). However, it maintains several domestic support measures, including
subsidized credit lines and price support mechanisms (Table 4.2). During the review period, new programmes were created to finance farmers, including the Medium-Scale Agricultural Producer Support Programme (PRONAMP) and the Low Carbon Agriculture Programme (Programa ABC).

Also in 2010, the Government launched the Plan for Low Carbon Emissions in Agriculture (Plano ABC), which comprises a credit line organized under the ABC programme (see below). Disbursements worth R$3.4 billion are foreseen for this programme in harvest year 2012/13.  

The low carbon agriculture program ("Programa ABC") was set up to finance agricultural practices aimed at reducing green house gas emissions , encompassing investment programs to support the recovery of forest; s (PROFLORA) and sustainable agricultural production PRODUSA).

The Government has also taken steps to promote access for family farmers to the biodiesel market, under the Social Fuel Seal initiative (Chapter 4.4.3).

The following priorities have been established under the Brasil Maior: to build and strengthen competencies in the national economy; to enhance productivity and technology density within value chains; to expand domestic and external markets for Brazilian companies; and to ensure socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth. 

Under the Plano Brasil Maior, the Government adopted significant fiscal incentives to help the domestic auto industry recover from the effects of the global crisis. Between December 2011 and December 2012, tax breaks were offered for companies producing vehicles with more than 65% of regional content. As From 1 January 2013, the automotive sector's fiscal regime was superseded by the INOVAR-AUTO programme. Companies eligible for the programme may benefit from an Industrial Products Tax reduction of up to 30%. In order to qualify for the programme, vehicle manufacturers must comply with energy -efficiency requirements and with certain domestic manufacturing or investment conditions.

The INOVAR-AUTO was created with the purpose of supporting technological development, innovation, safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and the quality of vehicles and automotive parts. INOVAR-AUTO is set to expire on 31 December 2017; its beneficiaries are companies that produce or plan to produce in Brazil products classified under headings 87.01 to 87.06 of the Tax on Industrial Products-TIPI schedule, approved by Presidential Decree No. 7,819 of 3 October 2012, or commercialize them. To benefit from INOVAR-AUTO a joint permit by the MDIC and the MCIT is required. This permit is contingent upon meeting energy efficiency standards for the vehicles produced or commercialized and the commitment to making R&D and infrastructure investments in Brazil, as well as participating in a nationwide vehicle labelling programme, except for diesel or semi-diesel vehicles. Permits have a 12-month validity and arerenewable for 12-month periods.

Brazil is nearly self-sufficient in primary energy production; in 2011, it produced 256.8 tonnes of oil equivalent (toe), which accounted for 94.3% of its energy needs. The Brazilian energy matrix remains one of the greenest in the world, but the participation of renewable sources in total energy production decreased during the review period.

Brazil has one of the world's cleanest energy mixes. 44.1% of primary energy sources are renewable, compared to a world average of 13.3% and 8% in OECD countries. It is forecast that renewable sources will continue to account for a large share of supply, mostly due the use of hydropower and bioenergy , includingbiofuels. Only 30% of Brazil’s hydroelectric potential has been exploited. The potential for increased production of this renewable and affordable energy source is an integral part of the country's long-term strategy for the sector. Widespread access to affordable energy is crucial to achieving the goals ofsustainable development, promoting social inclusion and poverty reduction; promoting national integration and the reduction of green house gas emissions and contributing to improve the economy's competitiveness. Brazil is, therefore, investing significant amounts in research and in new technologies to improve the generation and distribution of energy.