Human/environment interaction in Brazil

    Brazil in 1977 became the world's second-largest exporter of agricultural products. Except for grain (particularly wheat), of which some seven million tons had to be imported in 2001, Brazil is virtually self-sufficient in food. In 1999, 17.3% of Brazil's economically active population worked in agriculture, down from 23.3% in 1990. Export crops are significant in addition to the traditional exports of coffee and cocoa, Brazil is also a major exporter of soybeans and orange juice. In 1999 Brazil ranked fourth  of production of cocoa beans. However, production has been devastated by the effects of the witches-broom fungus. Witches broom fungus - dense twiggy growth in a tree or food caused by infection with fungus.