Responsible Use of Agrochemicals
Brazil
This GCP Collective Action Initiative seeks to improve all Coffee Sustainability Curriculum practices related to agrochemical issues at farm level.
Agrochemicals control pests and diseases and allow growers to maximize productivity, profitability and stability of production. However, over time, excessive use of agrochemicals can be harmful to both the crop and the workers. The intensity of chemical use in some regions needs to be decreased and the approach to worker safety enhanced.
While studies show the smaller the grower the more likely safety practices will be ignored, a responsible approach to agrochemicals needs to be taken up by all growers.
By adopting safe and efficient approaches, coffee growers can improve output, ensure crop sustainability, worker health and mitigate future issues. With a focus on worker education, access to information, and the adoption of even simple practices like personal protection equipment usage, farmers will be empowered to use agrochemicals responsibly to ensure that coffee production will be sustainable in the long term.
The main goal of the project is to improve practices of the Coffee Sustainability Curriculum related to agrochemical issues at farm level. Target achievements of this initiative include:
- Agrochemical handlers use personal protection equipment in all situations of risk of contamination.
- Participating growers in this initiative are properly trained in agrochemical application.
- Proper agrochemical storage places in the farm of participating growers.
- Return all agrochemical packages and have return receipts.
