The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has

approved controversial legislation that eases rules on how much land farmers

must preserve as forest.

Brazil's powerful farmers' lobby argues that the changes will promote

sustainable food production.

But environmentalists say the new forest code will be a disaster and lead to

further destruction of the Amazon.

The bill now goes to President Dilma Rousseff, who may use her veto to remove

some clauses.

Wednesday's 247-184 vote in favour of the new forest code capped a year of

political wrangling.

Brazil's farmers have long pushed for changes, arguing that uncertainty over

the current legislation has undermined investment in the agriculture sector,

which accounts for more than 5% of GDP.