Brazil Drones for Spraying
In September 2021, The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) published an ordinance which establishes rules for the operation of remotely piloted aircraft, better known as drones, intended for the application of pesticides and other substances, includingadjuvants, fertilizers, inoculants, correctives and seeds.
The news was announced by Uéllen Lisoski, head of MAPA’s Agricultural Aviation Division during DroneShow 2021 in São Paulo.
With drones becoming increasingly common in agriculture and livestock production, the new rules aim to simplify procedures and adapt legal requirements to the specificities of this innovative technology since,in several aspects, it differs from manned aircraft.
In addition to MAPA registration, which will be done automatically via SIEPEAGERO website starting October 1st, operators will need to meet a series of qualifications, including designating a qualified professional with technical training as a remote aero-agricultural applicator and, in certain cases, they will also need to designate a technical manager to coordinate activities. As for the aircraft, these must be duly regulated by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
“We hope that the regulation will bring the necessary legal security to operators, while ensuring the harmonization and security of operations and responsible use of technology. The norm will also serve as a compass for the coordination and inspection of activities, both by the Ministry and by the state agencies, responsible for inspecting the use of pesticides” highlighted Uéllen Lisoski at DroneShow 2021.
The rules aim to protect the safety of the work team and third parties, and also include minimum distances from sensitive areas to be respected during applications in order to avoid environmental and public health problems.
For further information concerning the updated regulation, please contact Ms. Vania Resende at the U.S. Commercial Service office in Belo Horizonte, Brazil vania.resende@trade.gov