As an agricultural powerhouse, Brazil depends heavily on the use of agrochemicals. It is the world’s largest consumer of pesticides, spending almost US$10bn a year to keep its crops free of pests and introducing on average one agrochemical a day, including some which are banned in Europe and the US due to health concerns. This long-term trend benefitting agribusiness has accelerated since President Jair Bolsonaro came to power: 152 pesticides were introduced to the market in the first 100 days of his government, making Brazil a “paradise” for agrochemical companies, according to environmental groups who, like public health organisations, frequently speak out against the risks that agrochemicals pose for the environment and human health. End of preview - This article contains approximately 1783 words.
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