Síntese da expansão de agrotóxicos no Brasil: impactos e fatores determinantes para o uso

Abstract

Pesticides have a great impact on society, having a strong association with ecosystem imbalances and human diseases. However, many people when working with this theme do not move from their isolated field of study to make the association of these substances with the many dimensions in which they connect, such as Society, Environment, Law, Economy and Health. The latter, mainly, in relation to the occupational exposure of rural workers who deal directly with pesticides. Instead of building measures that protect the environment and people, the Public Power has been failing in its obligations, especially with regard to the precaution and prevention principle, and is allied with large companies in the agricultural sector, spreading the use of pesticides in Brazil, benefiting the commodities market and undermining food sovereignty. In this sense, this study tried to describe the expansion of the use of pesticides in Brazil and its socio-environmental problems; analyze the pesticide market, describing how large agricultural companies and the Government influence the use and expansion of these products; and to identify the factors that can influence the use of pesticides in agricultural establishments. This research adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach. Based on the objectives, it is explanatory; with reference to the nature of the sources used to approach and treat its object, it is bibliographic, using the technique of documentary research, with access to secondary and primary sources. As a result, the data indicated that Brazil was among the countries that most intensified the use of pesticides, being also the main destination for products banned from abroad. With the exception of the Federal District, there was an increase in the number of agricultural establishments that use pesticides in all units of the federation. In the past three decades, spending on this input has more than quadrupled. It was also noticed that socioeconomic characteristics and many agricultural activities directly influence the use of pesticides. Of the fourteen variables analyzed, thirteen had a significant impact, with the main factor determining this use being the technical guidance received. Given this, it is undoubtedly that pesticides is a major problem that needs to be solved starting with the change in the model of agricultural production, fostering agroecology. It is an issue that deserves attention from all people, from all fields of knowledge, mainly due to the technical complexity of the topic. There is an urgent need to publicize the harmful effects of these products and what is behind the policies that encourage their use, making this information reach the poorest strata of society, as it isthe one that is most impacted. Denouncing the interests of the State and who it serves is important for groups active in the fight against pesticides to put more pressure on public bodies, demanding holistic, efficient, effective public policies that are seriously committed to resolving this issue. It is necessary to put an end to the value of tax exemptions for these substances, so that this money is destined to guarantee a balanced environment and a National Health System that truly takes care of people who are impacted by pesticides.