Pesticide dependence and associated risks in Uruguayan agriculture: limitations in its approach

Abstract

Pesticides have become an essential input for agriculture in the last decades. However, the growing concern about the potential impact produced by such dependency on human health and the environmental level has led to strong questionings about the use of pesticides worldwide. This paper aims to analyze the use of pesticides in Uruguay's agriculture and their potential risks with an emphasis on ecotoxicological risks. For such purposes, data on imports and use of pesticides in Uruguay and some other agricultural regions corresponding to the last two decades (2000-2020) were collected. In addition, information on the risks associated with the use of different pesticides compiled in the Pesticide Properties Database of the University of Hertfordshire was reviewed, as well as information generated by related national and international research. The information collected indicates high intensity usage of pesticides in Uruguayan agriculture and uncertainties in relation to environmental risks that may arise from the current forms of use.

Are we under threat? : the dilemma of insects in the production landscape

“…These concepts are relevant in the global context, where relatively low insecticide costs and high cereal market prices led to an excessive use of insecticides. Consequences of the abusive use of chemicals were first reported by the publication of "Silent Spring" (4) and are currently reinforced by numerous studies (5)(6) . The evidence generated forced the development of governmental policies to mitigate the side-effects of pesticides, while a major component of this change was the implementation of IPM programs (7) .…”