Illegal fertilizer factory shut down in Pradópolis (SP)

An inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) in Pradópolis, in the interior of São Paulo, shut down an illegal fertilizer factory. Officials from the Araraquara regional office visited the city's industrial district on the 22nd after receiving a complaint through the Ombudsman's office. The inspectors found that the factory was producing fertilizers without having establishment and product registration with Mapa. ​​It also lacked an environmental operating license.

Without the legally required documentation, inspectors seized 475 tons of raw materials used in fertilizer production, both in bulk and in bags. The packaging of this material lacked any guarantee or origin identification. Due to the irregularities and risks, production was temporarily halted. The manufacturer now has 30 days to rectify the situation with the relevant authorities and is prohibited from producing and selling fertilizers until the problems are resolved.

The MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply) team drew up an inspection and oversight report, detailing the facts, a seizure report for the raw materials and finished products, as well as a summons for the company and its products to regularize their situation. An infraction notice was also prepared to investigate the irregularities.

The complaint was directed to the São Paulo State Plant Health and Inputs Inspection Service (Sisv-SP). According to inspectors, fertilizers produced without registration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa), in addition to violating the law, are unreliable. They can cause losses to farmers due to unbalanced formulations, contaminants, heavy metals, and consequently, cause physiological imbalances in plants. The absence of an environmental license can represent a risk of damage to the environment.

The work carried out by the employees was based on Law 14.515/22, known as the Self-Control Law, and Federal Decree 4.954/2004, amended by Federal Decree 8.384/2014, which regulates Law 6.894 of 12/15/19080 and complementary legislation.