Suzano uses agrochemicals to deal wit factors that reduce or limit eucalyptus production, such as pests (insects and mites), diseases (caused by microorganisms and stress factors), and weeds (plant species that compete for space, water, light, and nutrients). 

For each biological target, we perform what we call integrated management, from which we seek to know the target that needs to be controlled and develop tools for population detection and monitoring, assessing issues such as the incidence and severity of each infestation. 

According to this monitoring, we control the target, whether by biological, genetic, physical, cultural, or chemical strategies, prioritizing biological and genetic control whenever possible. Recommendations for the use of agrochemicals are made by a specialized team, based on compliance with national, international, and certification policies. The use of agrochemicals is managed by the operational teams, which generate indicators on the use of this type of input in the company, which are evaluated annually by external auditors. 

We strictly follow the Pesticide Policy of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)¹ and the Pesticide Policy of PEFC/Cerflor (Brazilian Forest Certification Program), which have their own rules on the use of agrochemicals. We also comply with current Brazilian legislation regulating the registration and use of agrochemicals in the country, which involves the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA in Portuguese acronym), the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Portuguese - Ministry of Health), and the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA in Portuguese - Ministry of the Environment).

We are part of other initiatives that address the issue of the responsible use of agrochemicals in a technical way, including: 

• Forest Protection Research Program (Protef in Portuguese): linked to the Forest Research Institute (Ipef in Portuguese), it focuses on the sustainable management of pests, diseases, and weeds; 
• Forestry Defense Committee of the Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá in Portuguese): a group of companies from the forestry sector that discuss issues and align technical positioning strategies about MAPA's chemicals policy, providing an environment for discussions and progress on this issue; 
• Research projects: partnerships with different renowned universities and research institutes in Brazil and abroad, with work related to the integrated management of pests, diseases, and weeds [ex. Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo (Esalq/USP), Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), Federal University of Espírito Santo (Ufes), Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM) and Clonar - linked to the UFV business incubator]. 

We are committed to maintaining a technical basis behind our recommendations involving the use of agrochemicals. For this reason, any product used in our activities must be included in a technical list reviewed and managed by a qualified professional. This list contains all the agrochemicals that are authorized for use at Suzano - by the policies we follow - and when it is updated in the system, a notice is sent to the person responsible for purchasing this type of input at the company. 

Whenever possible, we seek to expand the application of biological pest control techniques, as well as genetic control by selecting eucalyptus clones with a certain level of resistance to pests and diseases. Thus, given that environmental factors (such as temperature, humidity, and the occurrence of fires) can favor or hinder biological control, we evaluate which control method is the most suitable for each field scenario and each target to be controlled. As a result of these actions, in 2023, we reached the production of 249 million natural enemies, released on 343,245 hectares. Concerning genetic control, in the same year we evaluated resistance to diseases and pests in potential new clones and seedlings originating from different progenies. 

In 2023, we continued the actions of 2022 in investing in people and infrastructure, which allowed us to expand the preventive strategies of genetic control (FenomicS Project) and biological control (Biocontrol Project). Furthermore, we have made the risk alerts for some pests and diseases operational and dynamic, providing more agile and targeted decision-making, which will allow us to act to control these diseases in smaller outbreaks.

Note:

1. License codes: Forest Stewardship BA - FSC-C155943; Forest Stewardship ES - FSC-C110130; Forest Stewardship MS - FSC-C100704; Forest Stewardship MA - FSC-C118283; Forest Stewardship SP - FSC-C009927.