Brazil authorizes emergency pesticides imports

Brazil Department of Agriculture on November 7th authorized importation of pesticides and other measures to control the Helicoverpa armigera caterpillar that is affecting crops in western Bahia, Brazil. On the 4th, the folder had already declared state of emergency in the plantation area. Now, the detailed actions were published in the Diario Oficial da Uniao.

By Order, the purchase of pesticides that have Emamectin Benzoate as active ingredient is allowed. Imported products must have authorization in at least three member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Countries should also adopt the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides, from the United Nations for Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Other measures also authorized are the adoption of fallowing (without planting period, to prevent the spread of pests), the use of traps, baits or other methods of physical control, the release of biological control agents and the adoption of crop rotation. The shares shall be borne by state health authorities.

The sanitary emergency is valid for one year. The declaration of phytosanitary or zoosanitary this year was regulated through government Act. The legislation provides authorization for the use of pesticides. However, products that cause serious damage to the environment or for which Brazil does not have methods of deactivating components cannot be used.