Percepção de servidores que atuam na regulação e fiscalização da aviação agrícola em relação à sustentabilidade ambiental da atividade

Abstract

Agricultural modernization, driven by the Green Revolution and precision agriculture, has introduced significant technological innovations, including aerial application, which plays a crucial role in crop management and monitoring. However, this practice faces regulatory challenges and environmental concerns. This study investigated the perception of regulatory and supervisory agency employees regarding the environmental sustainability of aerial application in agriculture. Specifically, it aimed to assess their level of knowledge about management practices, pesticide application, and associated technologies, identifying potential knowledge gaps; examine how technical expertise influences sustainability perceptions by analyzing how different levels of specialization impact environmental impact assessments; and explore the adequacy of current Brazilian regulations, considering employees' views on their effectiveness in mitigating environmental risks and promoting sustainable practices. The research adopted a quantitative and descriptive approach, using a questionnaire to collect data on respondents’ profiles, knowledge levels, and perceptions of aerial application’s environmental impact. The questionnaire was sent via email to all public servants from the regulatory agencies MAPA and SUASA, resulting in a final sample of 154 employees across 23 states and the Federal District. A logistic regression model was applied to statistically analyze whether perceptions of aerial application sustainability are influenced by socioeconomic characteristics and knowledge of the activity. The results indicate that 53.9% of participants have a comprehensive understanding of the technologies applied in aerial agriculture, which may be associated with a more favorable perception of its sustainability. However, the overall perception remained neutral, reflecting concerns about its environmental impact. The logistic model presented an Adjusted R² of 33.47%, showing that perceptions of agricultural aviation sustainability are strongly influenced by perceived environmental impact, considering factors such as contamination risks, agricultural environmental impact, regulatory effectiveness, and aerial application management. These findings highlight the need for continuous technical training initiatives and deeper discussions on sustainable practices in the sector. Understanding these dynamics can significantly contribute to improving regulations and promoting more sustainable agricultural aviation in Brazil.