AGROTÓXICOS E COLONIALISMO QUÍMICO: Rita em 5min #12

Summary

In this 15-minute special episode of 'Rita in 5 Minutes', the host delves into the topic of agrotoxins and chemical colonialism, discussing the controversial book by Larissa Bombardi. Through personal anecdotes and critical insights, the host highlights the dangers of agrochemicals in Brazil, their harmful effects on health and the environment, and the political implications of their widespread use. The episode critiques the agribusiness industry and its influence on government policies, as well as the manipulation of language to obscure the toxic realities of agrochemicals. The episode calls for greater awareness, supporting agroecology, and opposing the commercialization of toxic agricultural practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'Chemical Colonialism' is used to describe the practice of producing toxic pesticides in the Global North and exporting them to the Global South, where they are widely used despite being banned in their place of origin.
• 😀 Larissa Bombardi's book, which discusses the connection between agrochemicals and colonialism, is presented as an essential text for understanding environmental and health impacts in Brazil.
• 😀 The 'Armazém do Campo' in São Paulo is highlighted as a key resource for access to agroecological and organic food, produced through social movements like MST (Landless Workers Movement).
• 😀 The event featuring Larissa Bombardi and Bela Gil focused on the launch of the book and discussed the role of cultural studies in analyzing social and economic struggles related to agriculture and the use of pesticides.
• 😀 The book includes a series of maps that illustrate the global imbalance between pesticide production in the Global North and pesticide usage in the Global South.
• 😀 The term 'agrotóxico' (pesticide) is central to the discussion, with an emphasis on the negative connotations of the word and the deliberate attempt by agribusiness sectors to replace it with the less alarming term 'agricultural defense'.
• 😀 A 2002 law proposed by Blairo Maggi aimed to remove the term 'agrotóxico' and replace it with 'agricultural defense', in a bid to promote the widespread use of pesticides in Brazil.
• 😀 Research by Adilson Paschoal from the 1970s emphasizes that 'agrotóxico' is the only scientifically accurate term to describe the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment and human health.
• 😀 A 2022 law passed under the Bolsonaro administration (PL 6299) made it easier for agribusiness to use toxic chemicals, exempting other sectors from regulation and giving the Ministry of Agriculture more control over pesticide approval.
• 😀 The video highlights a report that found dangerous levels of pesticides, such as glyphosate, in popular processed foods like biscuits and snacks, further demonstrating the pervasiveness of pesticide contamination in everyday consumer goods.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The video focuses on the issues surrounding agrotoxins (pesticides) in Brazil, their harmful impact on the environment and public health, and the concept of 'chemical colonialism,' a term used to describe the export of hazardous chemicals from the Global North to the Global South, particularly in agriculture.

Who is Larissa Bombardi, and why is her work significant?

Larissa Bombardi is a Brazilian researcher and advocate for agroecology. She authored the book 'Agrotóxicos e Colonialismo Químico,' which explores the global dynamics of pesticide production, use, and contamination, with a particular focus on Brazil. Her work is significant for its groundbreaking research on the harmful effects of agrochemicals and their disproportionate use in the Global South.

What is 'chemical colonialism' and how does it relate to the use of agrotoxins?

Chemical colonialism refers to the phenomenon where harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, which are banned in the Global North, are exported and used in the Global South. This practice exploits the South's weaker regulatory frameworks and results in environmental and health consequences for the people living there.

What did Larissa Bombardi reveal about the impact of agrotoxins on Brazilian agriculture?

Larissa's research shows that agrotoxins, including some derived from Agent Orange, are widely used in Brazil, often in ways that harm the environment, the public, and even indigenous populations. These chemicals are linked to birth defects, spontaneous abortions, and other health issues while contaminating water sources, soil, and biodiversity.

How does the use of the term 'agrotóxico' differ from 'defensive agrícola'?

The term 'agrotóxico' (agrotoxin) refers to a harmful chemical substance, emphasizing its toxic nature. In contrast, 'defensivo agrícola' (agricultural defense) is a term used to reframe these chemicals as protective agents, thereby minimizing their negative connotations. This shift in language is part of an ideological effort to downplay the dangers of pesticides.

What is the significance of the 2002 legislative proposal by Blairo Maggi regarding agrotoxins?

In 2002, Blairo Maggi, a key figure in Brazil's ruralist lobby, proposed a law (PL 6299/2002) that aimed to make pesticide use more widespread by changing the terminology from 'agrotóxicos' to 'defensivos agrícolas.' This shift was designed to normalize the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture, aligning with the interests of agribusiness.

How does the use of agrotoxins in Brazil compare to that in Europe and North America?

In Brazil, the tolerance levels for agrotoxins in water are much higher than in Europe or North America. For instance, fungicides like tebuconazole and herbicides like glyphosate are allowed in concentrations up to 1,800 and 5,000 times higher in Brazil than in the EU. This reflects the regulatory leniency in the Global South compared to the stricter regulations in the Global North.

What are the consequences of the indiscriminate use of agrotoxins in Brazil?

The widespread use of agrotoxins in Brazil has resulted in severe environmental and health issues, including contamination of water sources, soil degradation, destruction of biodiversity, and increased incidences of diseases like cancer, birth defects, and developmental issues in children.

What role do the agribusiness lobby and conservative political factions play in the use of agrotoxins in Brazil?

The agribusiness lobby and conservative political factions, particularly those aligned with former President Bolsonaro, have actively supported the deregulation of agrochemical use. This includes advocating for laws that reduce oversight by health and environmental agencies, allowing the Ministry of Agriculture to control pesticide approvals and use.

How does the video tie together the broader issues of agroecology, environmentalism, and the struggle for agrarian reform?

The video emphasizes that the fight against the unchecked use of agrotoxins is closely tied to the broader struggle for agroecology and agrarian reform in Brazil. Agroecology promotes sustainable farming practices that avoid harmful chemicals, and agrarian reform seeks to empower small farmers, particularly those from indigenous and marginalized communities, to resist the exploitation by large agribusinesses.