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MGAP from Uruguay prohibits application of certain insecticides, herbicides in horticulture and fruit crops
Dec. 12, 2016
The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries (MGAP) has banned the import, recording, and renewal of insecticides containing the active ingredients azinfos methyl, metidathion, or methomyl and the herbicide atrazine, which are used in fruit and horticulture crops.
The Director of MGAP, Francisco Montes, said, “We don't have a problem in the market. We conduct risk analyses and diminish drawbacks or human error in the application.”
These products are used for the production of fruit, in horticulture or for the control of bird pests.
“Removing the market means strengthening the concepts of public policy for sustainable productivity, environmental care, and human and animal health to reinforce food safety," stressed the General Director of Agricultural Services of MGAP, Federico Montes.
The government has also restricted the import, recording, and renewal of plant protection products that use the ingredient parathion methyl formulated as a suspended encapsulation, except for products used to control ants, formulated as powder. Also banned are plant protection products using the active ingredient carbofuran, formulated as a concentrated suspension for use in potato, tomato, and pepper crops, with the exception of the control of parrots, where usage requires the permission of the MGAP.
With the exception of atrazine, the other products fall into Category I, as products that are highly toxic to humans, fish, bees, and the environment.
Products that require great care in their usage are sold only by prescription, where end users are notified of the necessary safety parameters. The herbicide atrazine is used internationally but has shown problems in environmental care and is especially noted for contaminating the groundwater.
The director pointed out that some of these products still remain in Uruguay, so the ministry will analyze the existing inventory to determine how long it will take to fully remove each product from the country.
Thirty days after the announced dates, sanctions will go into effect for producers who continue to use and shops that continue to sell these products.
Meanwhile, Zulma Gabard, the head of the General Director of the Farm Department, stressed the sector's policies and differentials applied to farm production to achieve healthy eating habits. In this respect, she explained the use and safe handling of pesticides, the georeferencing of apiaries, the registration of agricultural products, and a best practices guide for the production of honey. "In Uruguay, 96% of the fruits and vegetables produced is consumed, and farms absorb 20% of the total labor force in the agricultural sector," she added.
Source: AgroNews
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