Reference Unit will carry out training in Application Technology

The Reference Unit for Technology and Safety in the Application of Agrochemicals (UR) has open registration for the Application Technology course. The module, in person, is initially scheduled for the periods of May 18th to 22nd and June 15th to 19th. These dates, according to UR coordinator and scientific researcher Hamilton Ramos, may be revised in light of current coronavirus protection measures. In this case, the program will take place in July, without prejudice to those already registered.

According to Ramos, the Application Technology course will be taught at the headquarters of the Engineering and Automation Center of the Agronomic Institute (CEA/IAC-SP), in the city of Jundiaí. A maximum of 15 applicants will be accepted. According to him, in addition to the technological content involving sprayers, equipment, aerial and ground applications, the course will also deal with effective measures to protect the health of rural workers and the environment.

“The modules will be aimed at training multiplier agents, such as agronomists and technicians who work in technical assistance or work on agricultural properties and companies. We aim for the sustainable application of pesticides and the success in controlling pests, diseases and weeds”, reinforces Ramos.

“We found that at least 80% of workers applying agrochemicals do not have qualifications, hence the importance of encouraging the multiplication of training in the Brazilian field”, he adds. The researcher calculates that the misuse of agrochemicals causes annual losses of around R$2 billion to agribusiness, combined with waste of active ingredients and expenses resulting from accidents and poisoning.

The Reference Unit is a non-profit entity. It was created around three years ago through a partnership between CEA-IAC, an entity of the São Paulo Department of Agriculture, and the private sector. The central goal of UR, according to Ramos, is to reduce the deficit of professionals specialized in the use of agricultural pesticides. The misuse of these products, says the researcher, generates annual losses in the field of around R$2 billion.

Registration remains open on the available website here.