ruralist

But in recent weeks, da Silva has sought allies in the powerful ruralist bloc in Brazil’s Congress.

In Congress, a large coalition known as the ruralist bloc has championed scores of measures to ease access to minerals and potential farmland in protected areas.

Many observers believe Bolsonaro’s strong ties to agribusiness leaders in Congress, part of the powerful “ruralist caucus,” will lead to a reduction in environmental protections as farming interests win out.

Many observers believe Bolsonaro's strong ties to agribusiness leaders in Congress, part of the powerful "ruralist caucus," will lead to a reduction in environmental protections as farming interests win out.

The proposed amendment, driven by Brazil’s powerful ruralist congressional caucus, seeks to shift the power to demarcate land – or not – to Congress.