Companies train Brazilian farmers how to use 2,4-D‏

Threatened to be banned in Brazil, the herbicide has a new chance in the national market though the "Initiative 2,4-D". A group formed by the companies Adama, Atanor, Dow AgroSciences and Nufarm offered 74 training programs this year all over the country teaching about the correct use of agrochemicals to 3,500 farmers, technicians, and equipment operators.

 

"2,4-D plays a key role on weeds that are difficult to control. It is essential that farmers know correct ways to use this important tool," explained Mauro Rizzardi, Professor at the University of Passo Fundo and a partner of the 2,4-D Initiative.

 

During the training, the physical and chemical characteristics of 2,4-D were addressed, the regulatory situation, toxicity studies, safety in the field and resistance management of weeds were also included. In the training of application technology, the farmers learned the correct use of spraying equipment, how to observe climate conditions such as wind and moisture, besides how to avoid the drift.

 

"Excellent results of the training series relied on a large number of interested people, proving the importance of this action. The Brazilian farmer is open to learning, values the benefits of agricultural technology and is increasingly more committed to sustainable practices," said the coordination of 2,4-D Initiative, Ana Cristina Pinheiro.

 

Earlier this year, the Prosecutors of Brazil's Federal District requested in court the suspension of 2,4-D herbicide and glyphosate, and seven other ais (methyl parathion, lactofem, phorate, carbofuran, abamectin, thiram and paraquat). The request was denied under the grounds that the 2,4-D has registration in over 70 countries and it's one the most studied chemicals in the world with over 40,000 research conducted in several institutions all over the world.