CNA debates self-control and classification standards in the vegetable sector

The Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA) discussed, on Tuesday (08/06), during a meeting of the National Commission for Vegetables and Flowers, Bill No. 1293/2021, of the Executive Branch, which provides for self-control and possible developments for the vegetable and flower sector.

The president of the Commission, Manoel Oliveira, highlighted the importance of joint debate on the topic of self-control and classification of vegetables.

“There are many doubts in the vegetable sector about the PL and there is a great expectation that it will solve some problems experienced by the vegetable sector, mainly with regard to classification. Therefore, we brought the debate together to verify the central objective of the proposal and understand the extent to which it addresses sectoral concerns”, he stated.

According to CNA's Agricultural Production Coordinator, Maciel Silva, CNA is in favor of the government's proposal, but believes that some points in the text need to be improved so that there are no doubts regarding the interpretation if it is approved.

“The Confederation has been working on these adjustments with the National Congress and in sector discussion forums”, he stated. Silva stated that if approved, the PL will offer greater autonomy to the private sector in the inspection process.

“The proposal foresees the maintenance of the sector’s concern with the identity, quality, safety and safety of food, inputs and other agricultural products. It provides for the reduction of bureaucracy and greater economic freedom for the entities involved, but does not exempt them from complying with the regulatory parameters related to the sector, at the same time that it increases the supervisory efficiency of the Ministry of Agriculture.”

The coordinator highlighted that there is an improvement regarding the inspection part. He explained that the proposal establishes a greater relationship of trust between the government and the private sector.

The Bill is in the Chamber of Deputies awaiting the opinion of the rapporteur on the Agriculture, Livestock, Supply and Rural Development Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, deputy Domingos Sávio (PSDB/MG).

Another topic discussed in the Commission was the current standards for plant classification and standardization, bringing practical situations and benefits to the vegetable sector.

André Bispo, from the Department of Inspection of Products of Plant Origin (Dipov) of the Ministry of Agriculture, gave a presentation on the subject.

“The classification brings a set of requirements that a product must follow. Standardization, on the other hand, seeks to mediate conflicts, describing criteria and values, has a practical effect because it generates reputation for the sector”.

For the vegetable chain, Bispo highlighted that classification standards are complex, as the standard classification process requires structure, expertise and sampling of each batch.

“The structure was designed for grains, but in the case of horticulture, after a period of time the tested product is no longer the same, considering its restricted shelf life and difficulty in handling and storing.”

Bishop reinforced that the ministry supervises horticultural products with the aim of guaranteeing food safety and structuring the sector. “Our focus is on protecting our consumers by avoiding the consumption of inappropriate products.”