to protect bees, Santa Catarina limits the use of Fipronil

to protect bees, Santa Catarina limits the use of Fipronil

The use of pesticide products formulated from the active ingredient Fipronil will be restricted in Santa Catarina, its application being prohibited in forms involving the foliar use of this product.

The decision was discussed over two years, in successive conversations between Cidasc's technical team and representatives of rural producers, manufacturers of pesticides, cooperative sector, among others, before being approved.

The document analyzed by the board of Cidasc details how Fipronil can reach bees. The specialized literature indicates that the foliar use of the product (application on the crop already in the growing phase) It is harmful to bees, due to their contact with the pollen of treated plants and the direct contact of pollinators with the products.

Cidasc investigates all cases of bee mortality, to check the possible cause of the problem. In those related to the use of pesticides, the substance identified was always Fipronil.

The manager of the Agricultural Input Inspection Division, Matheus Mazon Fraga, highlights that the protection of bees is essential for agricultural production in Santa Catarina:

"We are the largest honey exporters in Brazil, with honey awarded internationally for its quality. We still have to consider the most important, which is the ecological work of bees, in pollination. Without them it is impossible to produce apple, peach, plum and so many other cultures in our state".

Another aspect highlighted by him is that other forms of application of this pesticide, other than the leaf, were kept in the new resolution. This includes the most common use of this substance in Brazil and Santa Catarina, which is the seed treatment.

Because it is an application in a closed and controlled environment, it minimizes the risks, avoiding contact with pollinators.

As for foliar use, there are other products authorized by Cidasc, capable of replacing Fipronil and which may be prescribed by agronomists, without prejudice to the farmer.

Matter extracted from: https://www.economiasc.com/2021/08/30/para-proteger-abelhas-santa-catarina-limita-uso-do-fipronil/

The complete legislation can be accessed on the CIDASC website http://www.cidasc.sc.gov.br/fiscalizacao/legislacao-2/