RS votes on Tuesday (3) pro-agricultural aviation law

The Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul is expected to vote this Tuesday (3) on Bill (PL) 442/23, which declares Agricultural Aviation as being of Relevant Social, Public and Economic Interest in Rio Grande do Sul. Authored by deputy Marcus Vinícius de Almeida (PP), the proposal is also signed by 23 other parliamentarians in the house.

The text of the bill ensures that “the exercise and use of agricultural aviation is free, authorized and guaranteed throughout the territory of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, observing the pertinent legal and regulatory standards.” According to Marcus Vinícius, the objective is to protect the activity from possible state restrictions, reinforcing its importance for agribusiness and food security.

The proposal was approved in April by the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) of the Legislative Assembly and in October it also received a favorable opinion from the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Committee (CAPPC) of the house.

pioneer action

For the parliamentarian, recognizing agricultural aviation is a way to overcome prejudices and value an activity that is essential for the state. In addition to being the birthplace of the agricultural aviation sector in the country (in 1947), Rio Grande do Sul currently has the second largest fleet in the segment in Brazil – with more than 400 agricultural aircraft, behind only Mato Grosso (which has around 600 aircraft). It is worth remembering that the segment also includes agricultural drones.

Marcus Vinícius' proposal also inspired a similar initiative in Santa Catarina. In this case, Bill 422/23, by state deputy José Milton Schaeffer (PP).

Sindag support

The measure also has the support of the National Union of Agricultural Aviation Companies (Sindag), which is headquartered in Rio Grande do Sul. According to the entity's executive director, Gabriel Colle, the sector is present in 24 states and is essential to guarantee productivity in crops that are important to the economy of Rio Grande do Sul, such as soybeans, corn and wheat. "Not to mention rice, which is highly dependent on aerial tools and is extremely important for the economy of Rio Grande do Sul - remembering that RS produces 70% of Brazil's rice."

According to Colle, Marcus Vinícus' project is a way to combat prejudice and shed light on the safety and high technology of the sector – which, because it is little known to the general population, is often the victim of stereotypes. “Aviation is already the only tool for crop management with specific and highly monitored regulations. It requires technical and higher education for practically everyone involved in its operations and has high precision technology,” says the director.  

Colle also highlights that the tool’s technical attributes are crucial for the rational use of inputs in crops – using 90% less water and with less chance of needing rework. Ultimately, saving products that help make up an expense that can reach a third of the production cost. “Remember that agricultural pilots also work in the recovery of pastures, as well as in fighting vegetation fires.”  

Parliamentary front

The importance of the agricultural aviation segment for the state was also decisive for the establishment of the Parliamentary Front in Defense of Agricultural Aviation in the Rio Grande do Sul Legislative Assembly, which was made official during the 22nd Expoagro Afubra, in Rio Pardo (Vales Region). The Front for Agricultural Aviation was proposed in February by state deputy Edvilson Brum (MDB), and already has 26 members – almost half of the parliamentarians in the house.

According to the AL Regulations, Parliamentary Fronts are created to deal with specific issues of interest to society. To be installed, their request is sent to the Presidency of the Legislative Assembly and they must have at least 1/3 of the members of the plenary of the Legislative Assembly.