São Paulo – The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) has prepared a new manual for the analysis of fertilizers, in the hopes of enhancing control over the products sold in the Brazilian market. The manual is under public consultation up until February 07, and it will shall serve as the requirement guidelines for fertilizers used in the country. It shall be used both in the analysis of materials produced in Brazil as for imports.
Brazilian agriculture depends on fertilizer imports, since the internal production is not sufficient to supply the market. Data from the Brazilian National Fertilizer Association (Anda) shows that, from January to November last year, the country imported 20.1 million tons of fertilizers and produced 8.6 million tons. Among the suppliers are Arab countries, such as Tunisia and Morocco.
According to the head of inputs at the General Coordination for Laboratorial Support (CGAL) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Murilo Carlos Muniz Veras, the manual is a revised edition from 2002 and brings new, more modern methodologies for product analysis. Before 2002, the fertilizer control manual in force used by the ministry dated back to 1982.
“The legislation has become more modern, (the sector) has evolved a lot since then, there are new products, like some types of phosphates,” stated Veras to ANBA. The manual sets out controls and requirements, and if the product does not meet the specifications, the producer shall be fined. According to Veras, the companies in the sector also use the manual for their own internal quality control procedures.
The effects of a more modern manual, according to Veras, are higher quality fertilizers for the Brazilian market, due to improved technology and greater precision in the analysis methods. The sector shall also be encouraged, seeking more modern technology in the production of fertilizers, which ultimately brings greater benefits to agriculture.
During the consultation period, the public may manifest itself in relation to the manual and suggest modifications. Normally, explains Veras, specific points are raised about technical issues. These suggestions are analyzed and incorporated, if there are grounds. If no issues are raised, the manual should be in force around 30 days after the consultation period. The aim, according to Veras, is to publish it as soon as possible.
*Translated by Silvia Lindsey
