CNA debates probable lack of agricultural pesticides for the next harvest

The CNA participated in a public hearing at the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Supply and Rural Development of the Chamber of Deputies, on Friday (22/10), to discuss "The probable lack of agricultural pesticides for the next harvest".

The Confederation's deputy technical director, Reginaldo Minaré, stated that at this moment the most important thing is to maintain dialogue with government and industry so that rural producers are not surprised.

“The current scenario for fertilizers and pesticides is worrying, it is a side effect of the energy and gas crisis in the world and not the lack of raw materials to produce them. It is a difficulty that, in the short term, needs to be managed,” he said.

“Asia and Europe are having difficulties producing these products, so a dialogue with these countries is important to know how unstable this production will be”, he added.

Minaré explained that yellow phosphorus production in Yunnan, China, was reduced in the period from September to December 2021 to 10% of capacity, and phosphorus is indispensable for the production of important herbicides such as glyphosate and glufosinate.

“In Europe, as a result of the high price of energy and gas, there was a reduction in nitrogen production.”

For Minaré, it is time to think about exploring, in the domestic environment, ways to reduce Brazil's dependence on imported chemical fertilizers. “And mainly optimizing the production of organic fertilizers, using organic matter from pigs and poultry, as well as other sources such as algae”, he explained.

He also cited the government's work to produce a National Fertilizer Plan. “The initiative is interesting and needs to be encouraged because it depends on a medium to long term to consolidate. In the short term, it is necessary to manage the problem well, seek information and dialogue. This is the best and perhaps the only path we have.”

Reginaldo Minaré also suggested that the diplomatic area of ​​the Ministry of Agriculture search for information on the production of raw materials such as yellow phosphorus used to produce glyphosate, for example.

“Agricultural attachés can carry out this prospecting because information is essential for us to plan how to proceed from now on. It is also important that farmers pay attention to the preparation of input purchase contracts, especially with force majeure clauses, to be aware of when it will or will not be guaranteed by the contract.”

As a referral, the commission will send to the Minister of Agriculture, Tereza Cristina, the hearing agenda for the progress of the debated proposals.