Pesticide Residue Management in Brazil: Implications for Human Health and the Environment

Gabriela Madureira Barroso (), Maehssa Leonor Franco Leite, Gabriele Gonçalves Silva, Heliene Meira Barboza, Thiago Almeida Andrade Pinto, Márcia Regina da Costa, Luciana Monteiro Aguiar, Taliane Maria da Silva Teófilo and José Barbosa dos Santos
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Gabriela Madureira Barroso: Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina 39100-000, MG, Brazil
Maehssa Leonor Franco Leite: Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina 39100-000, MG, Brazil
Gabriele Gonçalves Silva: Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina 39100-000, MG, Brazil
Heliene Meira Barboza: Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina 39100-000, MG, Brazil
Thiago Almeida Andrade Pinto: Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina 39100-000, MG, Brazil
Márcia Regina da Costa: Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina 39100-000, MG, Brazil
Luciana Monteiro Aguiar: Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Roraima, Boa Vista 69303-220, RR, Brazil
Taliane Maria da Silva Teófilo: Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, Mossoró 59625-900, RN, Brazil
José Barbosa dos Santos: Department of Agronomy, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina 39100-000, MG, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-25

Abstract: Brazil is among the four largest global food producers and is a significant consumer of pesticides. However, the current management of pesticide residues in Brazil faces substantial challenges, including fragmented data, limited access to reliable information, and weak inter-institutional coordination. These shortcomings hinder effective monitoring and enforcement. This study evaluates the existing framework for managing pesticide residues in food, water, and soil in Brazil, identifying gaps and proposing strategies for improvement. Key recommendations include the establishment of an inter-institutional steering committee, the development of a unified digital platform for data sharing, and the implementation of a National Pesticide Residue Management Programme (NPRMP). The NPRMP would define measurable targets to reduce contamination in food and the environment, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance the monitoring of pesticide residues. Capacity-building through continuous professional training and public education campaigns is essential to ensure the programme’s successful implementation. Financial resources may be drawn from various sources, including budgetary allocations by the federal government; donations from individuals or legal entities, whether public or private, domestic or international; funds from the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT); and contributions from the National Environmental Fund. This integrated approach aims to reinforce regulatory mechanisms, safeguard public health, and ensure environmental conservation within the context of Brazil’s expanding agricultural sector.

Keywords: pesticides in food; environmental contamination; pesticide management program (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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