The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) in Brazil has been adopting a strategic approach to combat fraud and crimes involving agrochemicals. This strategy focuses on the decapitalization of criminal organizations involved in the smuggling or counterfeiting of chemical and biological agrochemicals.
The issue was discussed at a workshop on Illegal Agrochemicals held in Campinas, São Paulo. The event was organized by Croplife Brasil, an association of companies engaged in research, development, and innovation in the fields of seeds, biotechnology, plant protection, and digital agriculture.
Guilherme Campos, the superintendent of the ministry in the state of São Paulo, emphasized that the productive sector demands actions against illegality from competent authorities. He stated, “We will do our part so that the market of illegal agrochemicals is eradicated from productive activity in the field”.
Julio Cesar Lima, the chief of the Division of Agrochemicals and Related Inspection, highlighted that the actions taken by different actors, such as the military police in the states, the Federal Highway Police, Ibama, Mapa, the Federal Revenue Service, the Civil Police, the Public Ministry, the Federal Police, among others, end up multiplying the fight against illegal products.
He also mentioned that the recent inclusion of Mapa in the Integrated Border Protection Program (PPIF) in 2019 has increased surveillance over the smuggling and adulteration of agrochemicals. The division that Julio heads has already carried out 37 operations and 26 theoretical and in-service training for partner institutions in these four years.
According to the auditor of Mapa, in the past, these products entered Brazil through neighboring countries, but now illegal products are being discovered arriving at Brazilian ports and airports. With the integrated action between various institutions, there is an exchange of information and official documents that allow the expansion of penalties.
In conclusion, the fight against illegal agrochemicals is being multiplied through integrated actions. These actions are not only helping to eradicate the market of illegal agrochemicals but also ensuring the safety and health of the consumers and the environment.
