Dow AgroSciences launches Responsible Application Program for Small Farmers

The Dow AgroSciences Responsible Application Program for Small Farmers starts recently in the states of Goiás and Rio de Janeiro. 

 

The new project has been providing training since 2010 on the importance of agricultural practices in major crops such as sugarcane and corn. The initiative, which is one of the pillars of Good Agricultural Practices, was developed with the goal of promoting responsibility during the application of agrochemicals and guaranteeing the sustainability of farming.

 

Created in partnership with the Paulista State University of Botucatu, the program is conducted though all the regions of Brazil. The program aims to highlight the commitment of the company in strengthening the quality and safety of agrochemical applications. Post-graduates and PhD students of Agronomy of Unesp have taken part in the program to train the participants on the concepts of responsible application using practical simulations.

 

"The main goal of the Responsible Application Program is to present to farmers the concepts of good practices on the application of agrochemicals. Besides raising awareness and pushing the adoption of these initiatives to optimize resources, this program aims to reduce the impact of agrochemicals on the environment, thus providing more sustainability for farming,” commented the coordinator of Good Agricultural Practices of Dow AgroSciences, Ana Cristina Pinheiro.

 

"The idea is also to improve the efficiency of application of the agrochemicals using appropriate technologies and correct modes of spraying through strict choices of drop sizes and volume of applications. It also helps in verifying the climatic conditions during applications, which helps in improving the yields,” Anna added.

 

Investment in technology and education is among the goals of the company, which is focusing on the importance of training for disseminating the best recommendations through integrated practices during all stages of the production process. 

 

Since its start, the program has trained nearly 12,500 professionals in the field on the importance of agricultural practices, focusing on technology application. The target planned for 2016 foresees 250 courses, training over 5,000 farmers, technicians and spraying operators.