Public consultation collects suggestions for reviewing the Agricultural Aviation Decree

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) published, this Friday (24/03), the Ordinance No. 766 which submits to public consultation, for a period of 60 days, the proposed Decree that Regulates Decree-Law No. 917, of October 07, 1969, which provides for the use of agricultural aviation in the country. Currently, Brazil has the second largest fleet of agricultural aircraft in the world, with around 2.400 manned aircraft, in addition to drones.

“The review of the Decree becomes essential so that the activity has an efficient legal framework, appropriate to the reality of the field, but also attentive to the needs of society, increasingly demanding in terms of transparency and sustainability”, highlighted the head of the Division of Agricultural Aviation, Uéllen Colatto.

The current Decree No. 86.765 on agricultural aviation has been in force since 1981. Since then, more than 40 years later, the activity has developed and undergone numerous transformations, with advances in technology and the use of tools. Likewise, the role of Mapa as a regulator of activity, as well as that of other bodies, has also changed.

The proposal presented defines, among others, Mapa's competencies in agricultural aviation and lists those subject to inspection, now including rural producers contracting aeroagricultural services.

Another change would refer to infractions. The text brings precautionary measures, new penalties, such as warnings and revocation of a professional's license to provide services related to agricultural aviation activities, for example. Infractions are described objectively and are graded. The standard also proposes aggravating and mitigating factors, and deals with the administrative procedure, all in line with the new Self-Control Law, Law 14.515/2022.

“We hope to be able to count on a wide range of interested parties to evaluate the text and submit proposals, providing an enriched debate, in order to regulate a standard that, in fact, reflects the desires of the sector and society and that we can consolidate aviation agriculture as an essential activity for Brazilian agriculture in the coming years”, highlighted Colatto.

The draft Decree is available on link available here and contributions can be made through form.