In Chile the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), under the Division of Agricultural-Forestry and Seed Protection, has opened a public consultation on the updated regulation for fertilizers and biostimulants which establishes, and updates provisions and requirements derived from Law No. 21.349. This consultation invites stakeholders to review and provide feedback and aims to gather input on the updated resolution. 

Key Updates in the Draft Regulation

Key updates include:

• Updated labeling standards

• Revised requirements for product composition, contaminants and physical-chemical parameters.

• A phased timeline for businesses to align their practices with the new regulation

• Strengthened traceability measures to ensure product authenticity and safety throughout the supply chain. 

How to Participate

Participants can review the draft resolution here and submit comments or suggestions here. The deadline for submissions is December 16, 2024, at 23:59

Next Steps

After the consultation period closes, the SAG will review all comments and publish responses to stakeholder comments by January 29, 2025.

This process will ensure that the updated resolution reflects input from all stakeholders. 

On October 18, 2024, Chile's Ministry of Agriculture issued Exempt Resolution No. 7,068 to reinforce ecotoxicological standards for agricultural pesticides with the aim to protect bees from harmful effects. This regulation, rooted in Law No. 21,489 on Apiculture, recognizes beekeeping’s critical role in biodiversity and maintenance of the ecosystem balance. It mandates strict classification, labeling, and notification procedures for pesticides, emphasizing environmental safety.

Key Features of the Regulation

Ecotoxicological Classification of Pesticides and Labeling Requirements: Pesticides are categorized based on toxicity levels to bees, with classifications ranging from “Highly Toxic” to “Neurotoxic”. Labels must clearly display these classifications alongside a bee hazard pictogram for pesticide that are categorized as "Highly Toxic" and "Moderately Toxic".

Influence Zones and Notification Requirements: The regulation defines “zones of influence” around pesticide-treated areas and requires farmers to inform registered beekeepers at least 48 hours before pesticide application. Products classified as toxic to bees must follow stringent guidelines, including applying treatments during times when bees are less active (early morning or evening). This notification must include application details and be sent through verified communication channels, ensuring beekeepers can safeguard hives from potential pesticide drift.

Enforcement and Penalties: Violations of this resolution may result in sanctions under Chile’s Agricultural Protection Law, Law No. 18,755, and the Apiculture Promotion Law, Law No. 21.489. Additionally, pesticides with pending evaluations or label updates must comply with these new standards immediately.

The resolution aims to protect Chile’s bee populations, which are essential to pollination and ecosystem health. For more details, please see the Resolution (in Spanish) here.