Map inspects agricultural aviation and seizes irregular agrochemicals in Mato Grosso

A joint inspection action between the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa), the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) and the Institute of Agricultural Defense of the State of Mato Grosso (Indea-MT) seized around 20 thousand liters of agricultural pesticides and 600 kilos of fraudulent agrochemicals.

The operation was carried out in the state of Mato Grosso and aimed to inspect rural properties and aero-agricultural operators regarding agricultural aviation activities and the use of agrochemicals. “In addition to the seizure of unregistered pesticides, the task force focused on searching for clandestine operators, that is, those who operate aircraft without registration on the Map”, highlights the head of the Agricultural Aviation Division of the Agricultural Defense Secretariat, Uéllen Lisoski.

During the inspection, Mapa verified whether the aeroagricultural operators are acting in accordance with agricultural aviation work standards and within the legally defined operational and safety technical standards. Documents relating to the aircraft and the team responsible for operations (technical manager and executing technician) are checked.

“If agricultural aviation standards are not complied with, operators will be subject to administrative penalties that include fines, suspension or cancellation of the company's registration, in addition to civil and criminal penalties, in the case of an environmental crime”, he explains. 

In total, Mapa issued 25 infraction notices on agricultural aviation activities, in addition to other fines issued by Indea-MT and Ibama, related to seizures and environmental issues.  

Among the inspection teams, seven federal agricultural tax auditors from various units of the Federation participated.