As part of Fruittrade 2022, the Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, together with the national director of SAG Andrea Collao, symbolically signed an agreement that will ban the use of four highly toxic pesticides.
Through the law, the health authority officially banned the use of products containing chlorpyrifos-ethyl, chlorpyrifos-methyl, paraquat dichloride and methomyl.
The event was also attended by Jorge Valenzuela, President of Fedefruta, who highlighted the possibility that the event could be the guarantor of the milestone that was signed. Valenzuela joined in the congratulations on progress in sustainability.
Courtesy of SAG.
The authorities took advantage of the event, which brings together key exhibitors from the Chilean fruit and vegetable industry, to publicize the new work plan for the regulation and control of pesticides in Chile 2022-2025.
“This plan, which we will build together, is designed to ensure that the agricultural industry in Chile, from the family, farmer and indigenous segment to the large exporters, can count on adequate inputs,” said the national director of the SAG.
“One of the most important points is strengthening the assessment of new agrochemicals,” assured the authority.
Courtesy of SAG.
New focus
The initiative marks a milestone in the way the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) is tackling this issue. The proposal is in line with the government’s commitment to encourage the development of more sustainable agriculture that offers greater security for human, animal and environmental health.
“Europe has increased demands on the sector and this has clear implications for the industry. This transition and these new agreements have been pending for several years, in order to achieve an agriculture that, although already sustainable, can be even more respectful of the environment,” said Minister Valenzuela.
Courtesy of SAG.
The department head said the ban on these pesticides is an important step towards these goals. He also expressed that it was a multi-year work involving listening and dialogue with the various farmers’ associations.
During the day, the Beekeeping Act, which had been in progress since 2014, was also presented in the Official Gazette. Among the tasks that this new regulation gives to the sector are the protection of the environment and the transition to “greener” agriculture. .