RAINFOREST ALLIANCE
POLICY:
Exception policy to use combination ofThiamethoxam + Cyproconazole for Brazil
Document SA-P-LA-26
Version 1

Binding from March 9th, 2023
Published on Marchr 9th, 2023

© 2023 Rainforest Alliance. All rights reserved.

The Rainforest Alliance is creating a more sustainable world by using social and market forces
to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and forest communities.
Document Name:
Exception policy to use combination of Thiamethoxam +Cyproconazole for Brazil

Date of firstpublication:

Expires by:

March 9th, 2023

Oct 31st , 2023Linked to:
SA-P-SD-9 Exceptional Use Policy
Application of Triazoles for Control of Coffee Leaf Rust (Hemileia Vastatrix) (2022)

Replaces:

Applicable to:
Farm certificate holders in Brazil in Coffee

Policies are binding. Policies complement and/or supersede related rules or requirements forthe parties they are applicable to.
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EXCEPTION TO USE THE COMBINATION OF THIAMETHOXAM+ CYPROCONAZOLE.
Thiamethoxam is an insecticide used in coffee to control insects such as leaf miners(Leucoptera coffeella), while cyproconazole is a systemic fungicide from the triazole groupused to control coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix). Both substances are classified by the FAO/
WHO as highly hazardous pesticides, which is why the Rainforest Alliance has included them in
its list of prohibited pesticides; however, we have granted a temporary authorization to use
these substances, while viable alternatives with lower toxicity profiles are identified. Theseauthorizations are conditioned to be used within the strategy of Integrated Pest Management,in an efficient way and only with a complete implementation of the respective risk mitigation
measures.
Different commercial formulations are available on the market that contains the above
molecules individually and in combination with other fungicides and pesticides such as the
combination of cyproconazole + thiamethoxam for soil application.
Rainforest Alliance prohibits soil application of cyproconazole, and therefore also prohibits theuse of products combining thiamethoxam and cyproconazole, as research suggests that foliar
application is more effective for controlling coffee leaf rust, in addition, foliar applicationmethods reduce the risk of soil and aquatic ecosystems contamination by minimizing runoffs
and leaching. Full details from the technical analysis are provided in this position paper:
Application of Triazoles for Control of Coffee Leaf Rust (Hemileia Vastatrix) | Rainforest Alliance(rainforest-alliance.org)
We acknowledge that some coffee producers in Brazil are using commercial formulations
combining cyproconazole + thiamethoxam, Rainforest Alliance will support producers togradually phase-out the use of these products through the following initiatives:
1. Granting a temporary authorization to use commercial products combining
cyproconazole + thiamethoxam during the 2023 coffee harvest season.
2. Study the feasibility of using other products with the individual molecules ofcyproconazole and thiamethoxam as an alternative.
3. Support the phase-out of the cyproconazole + thiamethoxam combination throughworkshops and trainings on the use of other alternatives.
The specific conditions regarding this exception are presented below:
a. This exception does not set a precedent.
b. Non-compliance with this policy is a non-conformity on requirement 4.6.1 of theStandard.
c. The authorization will only be valid if the conditions and risk mitigation measures
specified in the Exceptional Usage Policy are implemented.
d. New purchases of inputs must consider that this product will not be authorized after theestablished date in this exception policy (October 31 st, 2023), and the remaining
inventory needs to be used or disposed of before that date.
e. The CH must inform CB regarding the application of this exception.
For any questions, please contact the Brazil Certification Program team through the email:customersuccess@ra.org

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