Brazil is one of the largest consumers of pesticides in the world, which results in numerous problems, both for the health of consumers and rural workers and for the environment.

The indiscriminate use of pesticides has resulted in poisoning (of varying degrees) of farmers and consumers, becoming a public health problem. To make matters worse, our country allows the use of pesticides that are banned in the United States, the European Union and Canada.

Therefore, we have a very serious problem on our hands. The presence of pesticides in monoculture systems on large areas (soybeans, sugarcane, corn, coffee, citrus fruits, rice and cotton) and in crops with less significant area per planted area (tobacco, strawberries, grapes and strawberries) use large quantities of pesticides, often excessively and without seeking alternatives to preserve the health of workers and the land.

It is estimated that there are around 3 million serious cases of pesticide poisoning, with 220,000 deaths per year, worldwide. 70% of these cases occur in so-called third world countries.

There is another very important point: the conscious use of land. In addition to the dangers of using pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.), there are chemical fertilizers that contaminate the soil, water (rivers, lakes and groundwater) and can also make plants more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Brazil is the largest exporter of leaf tobacco, with most of its production concentrated in the southern region of the country. Its cultivation is mostly carried out by families on small properties (family farming).

Most pesticides used in tobacco cultivation are classified in toxicological classes I and II (mainly insecticides), that is, they are considered extremely and highly toxic, respectively. They pose serious risks to everyone's health.

Recent studies indicate that soil contamination (chemical fertilizers) and excessive use of pesticides are sources of different types of cancer.

We can say that the indiscriminate use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers kills. No one is protected. Consumers, producers and the environment are harmed.

Planting tobacco without the use of pesticides and with organic fertilizers is not a “luxury”, in fact, it is a necessity for everyone and especially for the Earth that provides us with so many resources.

Pesticides kill the land, the producer and the consumer. Making a conscious choice is a starting point for changing our reality. Respecting the environment is our duty.