National Ombudsman calls for stricter agrochemical controls near schools

The National Ombudsman's Office (Defensoría del Pueblo de la Nación) has called for strengthened controls, environmental monitoring, and protection measures for educational communities following investigations into agrochemical spraying near schools in Buenos Aires province.

The investigation focused on incidents in Marcos Paz and Carlos Keen. In Marcos Paz, an April 2023 event involved spraying adjacent to a primary school and kindergarten during school hours, causing intense odors and concern among staff and students. The Buenos Aires Ministry of Agrarian Development confirmed the application occurred within the established exclusion perimeter but was performed without the required agronomic prescription or authorization, resulting in sanctions for the responsible company.

In Carlos Keen, residents, social organizations, and educational institutions reported multiple instances of spraying near schools throughout 2024. These reports included a kindergarten, a primary school, a secondary school, and a community library that had to suspend activities due to the proximity of the applications. The Ombudsman's office is emphasizing the potential exposure risks to children, adolescents, teachers, and local residents.