Rio Grande do Sul Bans Hormonal Herbicides Near Sensitive Crops

The Court of Justice of Rio Grande do Sul has issued a ban on hormonal herbicides containing the active ingredient 2,4-D. This prohibition specifically targets the Campanha Gaúcha region and establishes a 50-meter buffer zone around vineyards and apple orchards across the state. The ban will remain in effect until the state implements a comprehensive monitoring and enforcement system for agrochemicals.

The ruling, announced on September 2, 2025, follows a Public Civil Action filed by the Association of Apple Producers and the Association of Fine Wines of Campanha Gaúcha. These organizations highlighted the decision as a significant step in protecting viticulture and fruit cultivation in Rio Grande do Sul, a state recognized for its apple production, particularly in the Vacaria region, which is a major contributor to national output.

Hormonal herbicides, commonly used in soybean cultivation, pose a considerable risk to sensitive crops like grapes and apples due to wind drift. The active ingredient 2,4-D is known to cause severe leaf distortion and stunting in grapevines, even at very low concentrations. This phenomenon, known as vapor drift, occurs when the herbicide volatilizes and is carried by wind or temperature inversions, potentially affecting plants over long distances. The damage can lead to distorted leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields, impacting the economic viability of these high-value crops.

The Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul has also been addressing this issue. In April 2025, a subcommittee was formed to discuss the suspension and prohibition of these herbicides to mitigate the detrimental effects of drift on vulnerable crops. This legislative action reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by farmers, who have reported substantial production losses due to herbicide drift and have appealed for more effective protective measures.