Certified seeds are the theme of SindiTabaco's campaign

The Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco) and its associated companies, with the support of entities representing tobacco producers (Afubra, Fetag-RS, Farsul, Faesc, Fetaesc, Faep and Fetaep) will carry out a campaign in tobacco producing areas in the coming months, aiming to raise awareness about the use of certified seeds in tobacco production.

A series of materials on the topic are being prepared and will be distributed in the form of cards, folders, videos and spots. “The first material we will release is a card that will be sent to producers via WhatsApp, a tool widely used in the field and which has a very good and fast reach. We will also have a folder and a video with more information about what pirated seeds are and the damage these products represent for tobacco production,” says SindiTabaco technical advisor Fernanda Viana Bender.

According to her, Brazil's reputation in the tobacco market is long-standing and sanitary control is extremely important in this regard, especially to prevent the introduction of diseases. Safety and guarantees for producers are also compromised without the use of certified varieties because pirated seeds can affect the quality and productivity of Brazilian tobacco and are not covered by the technical support offered by the Integrated Production System.

“Since they are not inspected and do not undergo rigorous quality and health control, they pose the risk of spreading pests and diseases to the regions where tobacco is produced. Furthermore, since they are not legal products, producers must be aware of possible penalties from regulatory agencies, since selling seeds without a certificate is an infraction for both the seller and the buyer,” adds Bender.

According to the technical advisor, pirated seeds have a negative impact on production, whether through financial losses by compromising productivity and quality, or through the breach of the integration contract and the risk of the tobacco not being sold. “In cases of germination problems, the producer will not have any guarantees or technical support,” she emphasizes.

According to the president of SindiTabaco, Valmor Thesing, the irregular proliferation of unregistered and uncertified inputs can damage the reputation of the Brazilian product. “We have been the world leader in leaf tobacco exports for over 30 years. In the area of ​​certified seeds, Brazil, which used to import seeds from other countries, is now an exporter of the product. To offer a qualified seed that meets all legal and health requirements, several years of investment in research and innovation are necessary. We have been following with concern the advance of pirated seeds in tobacco production, which poses several risks to the producer and the sector as a whole. We recommend that all tobacco producers do not use seeds without the proper origin and that they speak to their agricultural advisor if they have any questions,” suggests Thesing.

Why choose a certified seed?

Certified seeds undergo a rigorous production control process, which ensures good germination rates, resistance and tolerance to diseases, as well as a more uniform crop, with greater quality and productivity.

How to identify certified seeds?

Certified seeds have mandatory information on the packaging label, such as the Renasem/Mapa registration number. In addition, pelleted seeds are uniform, with the same size and color, and without signs of mold or contamination with foreign materials.

Reinforcement of supervision

Reporting channels can be important to intensify action against pirated seeds in agricultural establishments. Health and plant control entities from the three southern states have joined forces with entities representing the production chain to assist in monitoring and raising awareness on the issue. In Paraná, Adapar has an ombudsman's office that can be used as a reporting channel, via the website: www.adapar.pr.gov.br/Pagina/Fale-com-o-Ouvidor. In Santa Catarina, Cidasc receives reports by calling 0800 644 6510. In Rio Grande do Sul, reports can be made by emailing sementeemudas@agricultura.rs.gov.br.