An open letter from the group calls on Brazil’s legislature to reject a bill which could legalise the private occupation of public land.

The letter said the proposal could accelerate deforestation in the Amazon.

The bill is being considered just months after Brazil pledged to end illegal logging.

Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Greggs, the Co-Op, the British Retail Consortium, and the Hilton Food Group are among the major organisations to sign the open letter.

A vote in the Senate on the bill is expected later Wednesday or Thursday.[…]