New tax auditors strengthen agricultural oversight

Aiming to strengthen oversight and contribute to the country's development, approximately 200 new federal agricultural tax auditors began their careers in public service in August. For the National Union of Federal Agricultural Tax Auditors (Anffa Sindical), these appointments represent an important reinforcement for the profession, which still faces a serious staffing shortage. These professionals begin their careers motivated by the goal of ensuring safe food for the population, protecting public health, and boosting the competitiveness of national agribusiness—pillars that underpin the country's international image. 

The achievement, a direct result of Anffa Sindical's ongoing mobilization with the Federal Government, marks an important, yet still insufficient, step forward. "We welcome our new colleagues with enthusiasm and hope, but we remain steadfast in our fight for more hiring, as the staffing gap still threatens the full operational capacity of the agricultural inspection service. Furthermore, these new professionals join the ranks of others who deserve investment in infrastructure to carry out their duties," emphasized union president Janus Pablo Macedo.

Breathing space for the sector

The new generation of auditors is excited for the challenges ahead. Federal agricultural auditor Carolina Maso Viegas intends to build on her ten-year career at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) and take her work to a new level. "I hope to expand the impact of my work, combining my technical expertise in laboratory analysis with strategic public policy work. I see this new phase as an opportunity to contribute even more decisively to food security, the competitiveness of agriculture, and the protection of the population's health," she stated.

The pharmacist now works as an auditor at the Food Identity and Quality Laboratory in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. "It's a role that balances technical expertise, oversight, and diplomacy, as the work directly impacts Brazil's competitiveness and its image in international trade," she adds.

Federal agricultural inspector José Adriel Pereira dos Santos, meanwhile, believes the arrival of the new employees will breathe new life into the sector. "This career is a dream for many agronomists, and it was no different for me, especially since plant protection has always been a field I've been passionate about. When the opportunity arose, I didn't hesitate."

Now, the professional, who was curious to learn more about the food that reaches Brazilian consumers' shelves, is working at the port of Suape, Pernambuco. Another new employee, federal agricultural inspector Fábio Dias Martins, had already worked for 17 years as a health inspector in the state of Mato Grosso and was also looking for a career change.

"I wanted a bigger challenge. A man without challenges is a child. I entered the exam because I wanted to advance my career. I wanted to work in public health and exports. I wanted to become more efficient, more effective, more useful," explained the professional who now works at the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) in Sorriso, Mato Grosso. "I started working in the inspection department, which oversees food that reaches the shelves to be sold to consumers. It doesn't just inspect food, but also equipment and industrial units," explained Fábio.

Anffa celebrates reinforcement 

Anffa Sindical celebrated the addition of new federal agricultural tax auditors, who are essential to ensuring food safety, public health, and the country's competitiveness. According to the organization, "the union remains committed to advocating for, in addition to better working conditions, career advancement, and the full replacement of staff, which is essential to meet the country's strategic needs."