Brazil is confirmed as world's top pesiticide user

In a new report by the Brazilian Chemical Industry Association, the Brazilian pesticide market is worth US $6.9 billion, compared to the $7.03 billion confirmed for FCI's recent Brazil Report. A study, results of which were released April 17 by Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency, Anvisa, confirmed FCI's analysis that Brazil -- which has 276 million hectares (682 million acres) of farmable land -- has become the world's top consumer of agriculture pesticides. According to Anvisa officials who examined 1,773 samples of 17 fruits and vegetables, pesticide use is most prevalent in sweet peppers, followed by grapes,strawberries, then carrots.

The study also states that Brazil continues to use a range of dangerous pesticides banned in other countries. For example, in 2008, when China banned metamidophos -- a pesticide used in tomatoes -- Brazil imported some 4,200 tons.

During the first two months of 2009, 4,400 tonnes of the chemical have entered Brazil. Other pesticides banned in some countries -- such asacephate and endosulfan -- continue to be used in Brazil, according to the Anivsa study.

Although pesticide use is popular, the chemicals are not necessarily being applied correctly -- the report says that 64% of sweet peppers contained chemical residue above the limit allowed by Anvisa. In total, 15% of the fruit and vegetable samples investigated by Anvisa exceeded the allowed limits.