Mapa participates in OECD international conference on the use of drones to apply pesticides

The application of pesticides using drones was the topic of a conference held in York, United Kingdom, promoted by the Drone Subgroup of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in partnership with the Chemicals Regulation Division of the Health & Safety Executive of the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) was represented by the head of the Agricultural Aviation Division, Uéllen Colatto.

In 2022, the Agricultural Aviation Division presented to the Drone Subgroup, of the OECD Pesticides Group, MAPA Ordinance No. 298/2021, which regulates the use of drones for the application of inputs in Brazil. “We are a pioneer country in the specific regulation of agricultural drones”, highlighted Uéllen.

During the Conference, regulations from countries such as Canada, Australia, Japan and the European Union were presented. Furthermore, participants were able to debate the Guide that deals with recommendations for applying pesticides with drones, which is being developed by the OECD.

“The opportunity to participate in this discussion forum and contribute to the formulation of public policies, in addition to learning more about the regulations of other countries and exploring trends in the use of technology, is truly exceptional. This allows us to expand our understanding of how the world is seeing this tool and gives us direction to better regulate and control this technology in our country”, highlighted the head of the Agricultural Aviation Division.

“Our participation in the event also demonstrates Brazil’s importance in global agribusiness and registers our support for the use of sustainable technologies”, concluded Colatto.

Currently, Mapa is reviewing the legislation that deals with agricultural aviation in Brazil. Recently, the public consultation stage of the new regulation that will replace Decree 86.765/1981 was completed. Changes to this Decree may directly impact lower regulations, whether for manned vehicles or drones. Therefore, Ordinance 298/2021, although a recent rule, will also be subject to change.