Agrochemical registrations decreased in 2020. Where is the mistake?

The data is official. In 2020, 399 chemical pesticides were registered for crop protection, compared to 433 chemical inputs registered in the previous year. Contrary to what has been reported by some media outlets, there was no record or increase in the number of chemical pesticide registrations in 2020. In fact, there was a reduction of 8%, as shown by data released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAP).

But is a drop in the number of agrochemical registrations good for Brazilian agriculture? Not necessarily. Despite being the first reduction in the amount of chemicals released in the country since 2015, it should not be celebrated, given the urgent need for new technologies to combat pests and diseases efficiently and, thus, contribute to avoiding a reduction in the production of foods.

The truth of the matter is that, in 2020, there was a significant increase in the number of registrations of biological products. There were 94 releases in 2020, compared to 40 in the previous year: growth of 135%. With the exception of 2019, which had a drop compared to 2018, every year since 2015 has seen an increase in this class of products, which fall within the parameters of the National Bioinput Plan, launched last year precisely to stimulate organic production. The first results prove that the initiative has had results.

Misinformation or bad information is extremely harmful to Brazilian agriculture, an essential sector in economic terms and for providing food to the Brazilian population and 160 other countries. Agricultural pesticides combat insects, fungi, diseases and weeds which, if not well managed, compromise the population's access to food, due to a reduction in supply and an explosion in prices resulting from a possible shortage. Without these essential inputs, Brazil could lose 100 million tons of grains.

The 2020 pesticide registration numbers hide other details. The majority of approved chemical products are already in use on the market, with: 85% of authorizations referring to equivalent products (i.e., generics) and only 15% are new solutions. Products wait more than 5 years in the queue, and some around 8 years. The current administration, both at Anvisa, Ibama and MAPA, has invested hard to improve the productivity of the entire public service without losing the rigorous evaluation of all products. What is true is that Brazil is still at least twice as slow in this process as its peers, whether in Europe, Asia or the United States.

Let it be clear: science and technology are essential in combating the enemies of agricultural productivity, in addition to being more sustainable for the environment and the national economy, thus enabling greater safety for people when properly applied to crops, following the strict protocols for correct and safe use regulated by the bodies already mentioned: Anvisa, Ibama and MAPA.

As is the case in many sectors, the advancement of research and science allows for the constant development of more effective and safer technologies against productivity detractors, which is very positive for increasing food production in the countryside. This is necessary because the Brazilian climate is favorable to pests, diseases and weeds, which become increasingly resistant to inputs available on the market.

Prejudice regarding chemical inputs must be overcome. They help produce more food and are essential for putting food on people's tables.