Agrochemicals Reference Unit will have two medium-term training courses in 2019

The Reference Unit for Technology and Safety in the Application of Agrochemicals (UR) announced this Monday (21) the dates defined for two face-to-face training programs that will be given this year. Between April 1st and 5th and May 13th and 17th, the entity will form a group of consultants with an emphasis on Regulatory Standard 31.8 (NR 31.8), focused on preventing accidents with agrochemicals. From August 19th to 23rd and from September 16th to 20th, also in two stages, the Application Technology course will be taught.

According to scientific researcher Hamilton Ramos, from the Engineering and Automation Center of the Agronomic Institute (CEA-IAC), coordinator of UR, registrations for both training courses can be made from this Monday (21), on the website www.unidadedereferencia.com.br, limited to 15 participants per program. The UR is located on the premises of CEA-IAC, in the city of Jundiaí, 50 km from the capital of São Paulo. 

Ramos informs that the content of the NR 31.8 program covers effective measures to control pests, diseases and weeds in crops, as well as procedures and requirements required in the applications of agrochemicals with a view to protecting the environment and the health of rural workers.

The Application Technology training, according to the researcher, includes new concepts in the area, new equipment and techniques recommended today, around the world, to increase the quality of crop treatment in aerial and ground applications.

Ramos also adds that the two 2019 training courses are aimed at agronomists and agricultural technicians from agribusiness and agroindustry companies. “The central proposal is to prepare professionals who multiply information, leaders who come to act as advisors and extend to the rural environment, in the different regions of Brazil, the mastery of essential practices in the applications of agrochemicals”, explains Ramos.

“UR programs also focus on better use of agrochemicals in crops, so that farmers produce more and better and make their activity more sustainable with each harvest”, continues the researcher. According to data from CEA-IAC, the misuse of agrochemicals has caused annual losses of around R$2 billion to the Brazilian countryside.

Resulting from a partnership between CEA-IAC - a body of the Department of Agriculture and Supply of the State of SP - and the private sector, the Reference Unit became, in 2017, the first public-private entity in Brazil focused on dissemination of knowledge about the use of agrochemicals or agricultural pesticides.

In addition to in-person training, UR is expected to launch a new distance learning (EAD) platform later this year. The entity is also able to develop other training programs in the area of ​​agrochemical application, tailored to the specific needs of agribusiness and agroindustry companies.