Lula: no need to fell a single tree to boost Brazil farm output

Former Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a press conference as he campaigns for the national election, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 22, 2022. REUTERS/Carla Carniel

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's presidential frontrunner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday his country did not need to cut a single tree to plant more soybeans, sugarcane or raise cattle as he vowed to restore law enforcement in the Amazon rainforest to curb deforestation.

His remarks came as Reuters reported last week that advisors to the leftist former president were proposing subsidized "green" farm loans to spur planting of soybeans and corn on open pasture and reduce deforestation in the Amazon.