Approved amendments to the phytosanitary good practices law in Entre Ríos
The amendments to the phytosanitary good practices law or agrochemical application were approved with modifications. The law now returns to the Chamber of Deputies for final review. During a Special Session of the 145th Legislative Period of the Honorable Chamber of Senators of Entre Ríos, chaired by the Vice Governor and President of the Chamber, Alicia Aluani.
Session Details and Voting
Law 26.117 on agrochemical application was approved by a majority of 15 votes in favor and 2 against. This legislation aims to guarantee the quality and safety of products derived from productive activities, protect and preserve health, ensure a healthy and balanced environment, and promote agricultural production that contributes to food security and sustainable rural development.
The project was discussed in several joint meetings of the Senate’s Production, Environment, and Sustainable Development, and Public Health and Drug Addiction committees. Originally proposed by the Executive Branch in 2022, it was taken up by the current legislature and received preliminary approval in October of this year.
Senators’ Statements
Senator Casiano Otaegui praised the joint work of the committees and highlighted the need to update the current legislation: “This law replaces a norm that is over 40 years old. During this time, significant technological advances have been made in the agricultural production of our province.” He also mentioned recent court decisions urging the Legislative Branch to regulate phytosanitary substances more strictly.
Otaegui emphasized the importance of the new law, which establishes exclusion and buffer zones for agrochemical application the use of phytosanitary products and sets up more rigorous environmental monitoring, in addition to promoting education and research in this area.
Senator Hernán Méndez, President of the Health Committee, highlighted the balance that the law seeks between health, the environment, and agricultural production. “This law aims to ensure the quality of food and public health,” he stated. Méndez also pointed out the need to improve traceability and compliance with handling and phytosanitary application protocols.
Approval of the Phytosanitary Law in Entre Ríos
Conclusions and Next Steps
Senator Gloria Cozzi expressed her satisfaction with the approval of the law, thanking members of other blocs for their support. “We have exhausted all instances to reach this vote. This law is crucial for the entire province and for medium and small agricultural operations,” she stated.
The law will be reviewed again by the Chamber of Deputies before its final implementation. This legal framework is expected to ensure a balance between people’s health, the continuity of agricultural activities, and environmental protection.
Controversial Approval for Environmentalists
Various environmental organizations expressed their opposition to the modifications, as they only promise economic development and give little consideration to social, health, and environmental issues, which are not part of any economic equation, explained the General Association of Teachers of Entre Ríos.
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