Bayer offers training on good agricultural practices

In recent months, the impacts of the new coronavirus pandemic have begun to establish new forms of relationships around the world. Given this scenario and also aware that agribusiness needs to maintain its activities, Bayer offers online training on good agricultural practices for food production. Developed in alliance with Global G.A.P. and made available in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Agriculture (IICA), the virtual contents BayG.A.P. are available in three languages ​​- English, Spanish and Portuguese - and have already trained around 4 thousand farmers in 23 countries. To access the training, simply access the website and do the registration.

"In this context we are living in, the online format democratizes access to information, especially because it reaches small and medium-sized farmers. Another great benefit is the fact that the videos work as a preparation for those who wish to obtain important international certificates, such as of the Global G.A.P., which is a prerequisite for exporting fruits and vegetables to different markets", says Igor Oliveira, Services and Value Chain Coordinator at Bayer.

Video classes allow producers and rural workers to update themselves without leaving home. The sessions are divided into 12 modules, which cover important topics, including the safe use of inputs, integrated management of pests and diseases, traceability and alignment with the main national and international standards - such as the Brazilian government's Integrated Production program.

In Brazil, the traceability course was adapted to the country's reality, paying attention to the main legal and regulatory requirements in force which, since August 2019, has become one of the main requirements for producers of fresh fruits and vegetables. "Through the partnership with Bayer, ABRAS (Brazilian Association of Supermarkets) is responsible for promoting training and also encouraging the participation of members of the retail chain. "Our objective is that fruits and vegetables in natura, intended for the Brazilian consumer, are tracked - from production to the final consumer and that the producer is prepared to carry out this traceability. We believe that these initiatives are essential to guarantee safe and healthy food on Brazilians' tables", explains Oliveira.

The action is an initiative by Bayer together with more than 20 global and local companies in the food chain. The program facilitates access to local, regional and international markets by offering different educational services that support farmers around the world.

"The partnership between Bayer and IICA focuses on developing and improving the quality of life and productive conditions of rural producers. One of the practical results of this union is the creation and offering of this course. With it, we were able to advance our action in rural areas, directly supporting workers who, with training, will be able to adapt to the new rules and good practices adopted globally", says the IICA representative in Brazil in charge, Christian Fischer.