Certification of adjuvants is essential for agribusiness

After a large cooperative started demanding functionality reports for agricultural adjuvants from suppliers, formal consultations increased with the ‘Pulverization Adjuvants’ program, based in Jundiaí (SP). The information comes from the coordinator of the initiative, scientific researcher Hamilton Ramos. For him, specific knowledge about the functionality of these products can result in the effectiveness or failure of crop treatments against pests, diseases and invasive plants.

According to Ramos, the Spraying Adjuvants program begins next month to undertake technical and quality analyzes to certify the functionality of agricultural adjuvants sold in Brazil. The initiative, he highlights, is the result of a partnership between the private sector and the Engineering and Automation Center (CEA), of the Agronomic Institute (IAC), an entity of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo.

According to the researcher, the entire infrastructure of the program, anchored in an advanced laboratory and the experience of specialized professionals, is concentrated at CEA-Jundiaí. “In addition to studies on functionality, the laboratory is able to help companies develop formulations or redefine positions for existing formulations”, says Ramos.

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Ramos explains that agricultural adjuvants are products added to the agrochemical mixture when applied in the field. “Adjuvants have spreading, humectant or penetrating effects, for example. A poorly formulated product of this kind alters the characteristics and properties of an agrochemical. It interferes with drift, spreading, droplet size and can ruin the farmer's high investment in controlling diseases, pests and weeds.”

“Adequate agricultural adjuvants, produced with precise specifications, are fundamental to the success of agriculture. They enhance the effectiveness of agrochemicals and contribute to the transfer of productivity and profitability to the harvest. The central issue is the selection of products that actually deliver the functionalities described on the labels”, continues Ramos.

According to the researcher, agricultural adjuvants sold in Brazil do not have official registration issued by regulatory bodies, as is the case with agrochemicals. “Hence comes the need for the adjuvant market itself to find self-regulation mechanisms and credibility aggregates. This vision will encourage the field to adopt products whose quality and functionality are proven and certified. The manufacturer will win, the farmer will win, agribusiness will win”, concludes Hamilton Ramos.