Os desafios da fiscalização agropecuária no Brasil

Abstract

Federal Agricultural Tax Auditors play a fundamental role in the inspection and sanitary controlof products of animal and plant origin, working at various points along the production chain,such as industries, slaughterhouses, feed factories, ports, airports, and border checkpoints. Inaddition, they are responsible for ensuring that products comply with the standards required bylegislation, both for domestic consumption and for export. The presence of official inspectionis essential not only to guarantee the quality and safety of food but also to protect the country’simage in international trade. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the difficulties faced byFederal Agricultural Tax Auditors (AFFA) over the past 14 years. A bibliographic review wascarried out on topics related to fiscal audit activities and the challenges arising from the shortageof specialized professionals in the field, as well as data on the number of AFFA employeesfrom 2010 to 2025. The inspection of Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard OperatingProcedures requires technical knowledge, document analysis, on-site visits, and, therefore,adequate infrastructure to ensure effective work. Analyses of contamination incidents inproducts of animal origin reveal the need to strengthen surveillance actions, implement stricterpreventive measures, and promote greater integration between producers, industries, and healthauthorities. However, factors such as complex legislation, lack of human resources, and workoverload compromise the efficiency of inspections. The study reveals that from 2010 to march2025, the number of retired tax auditors (2,011) exceeded new hires (776), resulting in a netdeficit of 1,235 professionals, which may undermine inspection capacity. Strategicallyimportant states for national agribusiness have seen a yearly reduction in federal auditors, suchas Bahia, São Paulo, and Pernambuco, with deficits of 251, 151, and 87 auditors, respectively.It is concluded that work overload, growing demotivation, and deteriorating inspectionconditions put at risk both the sanitary safety of Brazilian agricultural products and the sector’sinternational credibility. This reality highlights the urgent need for public policies aimed atvaluing the career, with the periodic holding of public service exams and investments instrengthening the agricultural public service structure.