Goiás tightens rules for cotton transportation

The Goiás Agricultural Defense Agency (Agrodefesa) has updated the State Boll Weevil Prevention and Control Program. The main change was the creation of specific rules for the transportation of seed cotton. These rules are set out in Normative Instruction No. 5/2025.

The standard also provides new guidelines for cotton mills and feedlots. The goal is to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis).

The regulatory update responds to industry demands. The text increases stricter standards for cotton transportation and processing. It defines joint responsibilities between producers and transporters. It mandates the use of tarpaulins and shade cloth on bales. It requires cleaning and inspection of trailers. It recommends driver training. It also provides for inspections at processing plants.

Agrodefesa president José Ricardo Caixeta Ramos states that the measure strengthens the collaboration between the government and producers. He notes that cotton is a strategic crop for Goiás. He emphasizes the importance of phytosanitary surveillance to ensure productivity and sustainability.

Goiás ranks seventh in national cotton production. The forecast for the 2024/25 harvest is 138,2 tons. Gross Production Value reached R$512,7 million in 2024. The municipalities of Chapadão do Céu, Luziânia, and Cristalina lead the way in production.

Goiás' cotton is primarily exported to China. In 2024, the state exported 24,1 tons to the Asian country.