The country needed a program to qualify agrochemical applicators, highlights the coordinator of the Reference Unit

Coordinator of the Reference Unit for Technology and Safety in the Application of Agrochemicals (UR) and one of Brazil's most renowned experts in the field, scientific researcher Hamilton Ramos applauds the creation of the National Program for Qualification of Agrochemical and Related Applicators, also called “ Legal Applicator”. The measure, announced by the Federal Government in recent weeks, determines the formalization of registration of applicators of these products, with mandatory training for workers.

“We have made significant progress in terms of the quality of machines, chemical and biological products, for example. However, when using these technologies, the farmer and the applicator still make strategic mistakes, which put the health of crops, human health and the environment at risk. Training in the area currently only serves between 30% and 40% of people allocated to the application of agrochemicals, generally those who have working relationships”, summarizes Ramos.

The researcher also highlights that the Reference Unit or UR will launch a pioneering program in Brazil between the 26th and 28th of April, during the Agrishow fair, in Ribeirão Preto (SP), aimed at qualification and qualification of agrochemical applicators.

Ramos explains that UR is the result of a partnership between the Engineering and Automation Center (CEA), of the Agronomic Institute (IAC), a body of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo, located in Jundiaí (SP), and the sector private. UR was created five years ago, with the purpose of bringing education to information multiplier agents in the field. Between 50 and 60 professionals have already undergone specific training from the entity, in the period before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Challenges on small properties

According to the researcher, the entity's new qualification program is open to agribusiness companies, farmers, agronomists and consultants. “In addition to training these professionals, the model makes it possible to train training multipliers, to extend knowledge within agricultural companies, city halls, Agriculture Departments, rural unions and other potential partners”, adds Ramos.

According to him, UR training focuses on Regulatory Standard 31.8 (NR 31.8), from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and also on the precepts of the “Legal Applicator”, from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Both define guidelines, behaviors, competencies and rules linked to agrochemicals. “The UR program is implemented in blended formats and as an EAD module (distance learning). The content is ready, recorded and subscriptions will begin after the launch of the platform in Ribeirão Preto.”

Based on data from UR and IBGE, the researcher also highlights that, nowadays, 80% of Brazilian rural properties are less than 100 hectares, while 50% of these do not exceed ten hectares. “It is producers with this profile that we need to reach strongly to improve the quality of agrochemical applications. The government measure will narrow the paths for better dissemination of information and improvement of specialized labor”, concludes Hamilton Ramos.