These days, even people not directly involved in the agriculture sector understand that chemicals such as pesticides are important. Pesticides maximize the amount of food produced for human consumption, prevent the spread of insect-borne disease, and help preserve the earth by allowing farmers to gain a greater yield from a smaller section of farmland, keeping them from converting other neighboring areas into additional farmland. However, herbicides are just as important. By killing select plants without harming the main crop of a given area, herbicides eliminate any competition that crop may have for resources. As with pesticides, this means more food for the people of the world, and no need to displace nearby animals by turning their habitats into farms. Read on for some exploration of the history of herbicides, and the benefits they offer not only to those in the agricultural industry, but society as a whole. The History Agriculture is one of the oldest industries in the history of humankind. Prior to its development, the hunter-gatherer model was the primary manner in which societies were organized. But when agriculture was developed, tribes could settle down, build greater structures, and create real cultures of their own. Because agriculture played such a foundational role in human society, it’s something of a surprise to learn that herbicides are essentially a 20th-century invention. The first breakthroughs in this field were in fact the byproducts of chemical experiments during World War II. Researchers ended up creating 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D), a chemical that could kill unwanted weeds without doing any damage to the major crops. In 1946, 2, 4-D first hit the market. Within an incredibly short period of time, it had a major positive effect on the world, dramatically increasing the output of farmers. Since then, other chemicals and processes have been invented and discovered, allowing farmers to grow the crops they wish to and eliminate the plants that rob them of their resources. Why Herbicides Are Important If you work in agriculture, it’s probably easy to imagine the long-term benefits of using herbicides. How successful you are hinges on how much food you can produce. If your land is full of weeds and other plants that crowd out your crops and deplete their share of resources, you need to be able to handle this problem effectively and affordably. Herbicides make this easy, boosting your production (and profit) without requiring you to make great investments of money, effort, time, or additional lands. If you merely consume the food produced by farms, however, you also benefit from the use of herbicides. First of all, while we may have limited control over the immediate effects of the climate or weather, we can use innovations like these to limit the harm that inclement events, such as a drought, might do to us. Before herbicides, droughts were absolute catastrophes for many reasons; a key reason, though, was that they severely reduced the amount of food a farm could produce. However, we should not downplay the adverse effect that a drought can have, even today. That said, thanks to herbicides, that effect is not as devastating as it once was. In the past, weeds would use up much of the limited water available to crops during a drought, resulting in massive food shortages. However, when weeds can be controlled, even during times of limited rainfall, many crops can still grow reliably, as they do not need to compete for resources. From an economic perspective, herbicides are also good for society as a whole. According to researchers, their use earns farmers in the United States an additional $16 billion per year. When herbicides were put to use in Argentina, the country’s economy benefited from a $30 billion boost. Even if you’re not a farmer, this is good news: that money is funneled back into the country’s economy, and because we live in an increasingly globalized world, your country and its economy will benefit as well. Agriculture is an interesting line of work. On the one hand, it’s almost as old as human civilization. On the other hand, it keeps changing due to fairly recent innovations such as herbicides. Luckily, those changes have been positive, as we are better able and equipped to feed the world. Keeping people fed has always been the goal of agriculture, and now, we can think beyond the limits of our small tribe. In agricultural industries, pesticides are essential to maximizing the yield of farmers’ crops. For those outside of this line of work, it can be difficult to fully appreciate the benefits that pesticides offer. Yes, you may already know that using pesticides ensure that more food is grown for human consumption, and that certain illnesses have fewer opportunities to spread. However, that is not the only reason pesticides are useful. Given the recent, dramatic changes our planet has gone through, experts are striving to convince all of us to “go green” in whatever way possible. For many of us, that means driving less frequently, investing in energy-efficient appliances, and making other lifestyle changes to reduce our carbon footprints. For farmers, though, climate change offers yet another reason to make use of pesticides. For example, anyone who makes a living working in agriculture knows that they have to produce a certain amount of food each season. By using pesticides, farmers prevent pests from ruining significant portions of their crops. As a result of this efficiency, they don’t have to convert more neighboring lands into farmland. This leads to a variety of social benefits. Pesticides Enable the Advancement of Civilization Agriculture is among the greatest innovations in the history of humankind. Prior to developing the ability to grow food reliably and regularly, hunter-gatherer societies were prevalent. With the introduction of agriculture, however, communities could establish permanent communities. This led to the development of medicine, art, extended family units, and a vast number of other advances that we now take for granted. Pesticides made agriculture even more effective at strengthening a society. Most obviously, they kept animals and insects from eating crops. This allows farmers to create more food for the human population, which, quite simply, helps a civilization to flourish. Pesticides Prevent Disease There’s also the matter of disease prevention. In many parts of the world, mosquitoes and other pests can spread illnesses like malaria. This is a particular danger when they’re drawn to crops. However, when farmers use pesticides, disease-causing pests are much less of a problem. Already, it’s clear that these products play a major role in keeping people healthy. However, they’re also very useful when it comes to preventing hunger. Pesticides Improve Crop Yields and Prevent Hunger Farms are unlike any other manufacturing plants in the world. If the factory where your television was built fails to produce enough units to hit its projected goals, the consequences are fairly minimal - maybe the company suffers some quarterly losses. On the other hand, if farms don’t produce enough food, people go hungry. As such, farmers know they need to take all the steps necessary to maximize the yield of their crops. Before pesticides, this often meant using additional land. If pests were regularly depleting farmers’ harvests, they couldn’t simply accept their losses. People still needed food on the table. Because of this, those who worked in agricultural industries were often forced to cut down trees, displace animal communities, and destroy natural habitats in order to convert neighboring lands into more farmland. They simply had no other options. Pesticides Allow the Preservation of Wild Ecosystems Pesticides, thankfully, changed that. When farmers began using these products and strategies, they found that pesticides reliably kept insect and animal populations from consuming food that was meant for human use. As a result, instead of needing to expand their operations, they could work within the existing boundaries of their farms, leaving more of the natural world intact. Again, most consumers already understand that pesticides are often used in order to produce more food and prevent health problems. However, that’s far from the only benefit they offer to society. Keeping people fed is important, but so is preserving the planet. That’s one of the many reasons pesticides continue to play such a major role in agriculture. Already, they serve to help farmers more effectively feed the world. By reducing the need to expand the borders of farms, pesticides also help to ensure that the world itself stays healthy and wild ecosystems remain intact. Future Pesticide-Related Innovations Of course, innovations never cease in agricultural industries. From the days of early farming societies right up until today, humankind has consistently found new ways to crop yields. It’s safe to say that this will also be the case with pesticides. As we learn more about how to protect our food from insects and animals, we’ll also learn more about how to protect our planet.
It probably goes without saying, but that’s good for everyone. Agriculture is among the most important innovations in the history of humankind, right up there with the discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel. Prior to its development, our ancestors lived nomadic or semi-nomadic lives, hunting prey, gathering food, and moving on to a new location before long. The emergence of agriculture in different parts of the world around 12,000 years ago was nothing short of a revolution. Domesticating plants allowed us to form stable communities and build upon them—rather than focusing strictly on survival, we could also develop art, culture, and new technologies. No longer needing to move from one place to another in order to stay alive, we could put down roots and build civilizations. As history marches on, agriculture has maintained its significance, even thousands of years later. That said, it isn’t exactly as it used to be; numerous advances have made agricultural processes even more effective and efficient than ever before. One such advance is pesticides. Early societies were forced to accept the fact that there were other organisms that were drawn to the food they planted. This limited how much of their harvest they could distribute amongst themselves, and made it necessary to employ more people in the work of farming. With the introduction of pesticides, though, this was no longer a problem, as crops could finally be protected from such organisms. In the world of agriculture, pesticides have offered the following specific benefits: Less HungerThis is the first point worth mentioning because it is the most important. The goal of farming is simple: to create food for the people of a community. Insects and other pests, though, can intrude on the crops, reducing the amount of food available for a given population. With pesticides, farmers are able to keep these pests from consuming their food, allowing them to produce more for human consumption. A stable source of food is vital for growing the population and making society stronger. Stronger EconomyWith pesticides, farmers are able to spend less on labor but still produce more crops to sell, allowing them to make more money. Without pesticides, farmers have to hire people to weed the crops and remove pests by hand. When they use pesticides, though, these costs are significantly reduced, and the savings are passed on to those who buy the crops. People thus have more money to spend on other goods and services, which further supports the economy. Health BenefitsOne of the most widely-recognized benefits of pesticide use has to do with public health. Mosquitoes, for example, transmit malaria, a disease that killed 438,000 people in 2015 alone. Other pests also spread potentially harmful diseases. When pesticides are used more frequently in agriculture, we’ve learned that the spread of these illnesses seems to slow, as fewer people are exposed to them via these pests. Some scientists estimate that since 1945, the use of pesticides has prevented the deaths of some 7 million people. Wildlife PreservationBefore pesticides were commonly used, if farmers planned to grow more crops, they often had to convert more of the surrounding area into farmland. This displaced many animal species, and transformed entire environments as natural habitats shrank in size. However, because pesticides have been effective in maximizing the yield of a given portion of farmland, farmers have been able to produce more food on smaller patches of land, allowing them to preserve neighboring areas. Livestock HealthPlants are not the only food source that pesticides help us get the most out of. Farmers and ranchers are able to keep larger, healthier herds of livestock thanks to pesticides. This is because pesticides prevent livestock from being bitten by pests that may carry disease. They also eliminate many poisonous plants that livestock might otherwise consume, keeping them healthier. Diverse SocietiesAs mentioned earlier, before agricultural societies took hold, humans obtained food by hunting and gathering. In these societies, people tended to have a limited number of roles to fill. The survival of the tribe was most important, and as such, there was no real place for artists, engineers, teachers, or any of the other major occupations that we now take for granted.
However, the advent of agriculture allowed communities to obtain a reliable, predictable supply of food—and even surpluses to tide them over during lean times. As such, agriculture relieved some people from the work of food production, and allowed them the opportunity to fulfill other roles within their community. With the development of modern pesticides over the last 150 years, agriculture has become even more efficient and productive. Globally, the number of people involved in food production has plummeted. One could argue, therefore, that pesticides have helped to advance civilization and speed human progress. And in terms of our most basic needs, they have made it possible to feed more people than ever before. Pesticides have become part of everyday life. While many focus on the usage of these chemicals in the agricultural industry, their use has implications that cross almost every aspect of human life. Many of those who oppose the use of pesticides fail to consider the ramifications of pest populations left unchecked. The individual bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus may die as a result of contracting the disease. Contaminated crops may be unsuitable for human consumption, causing the farmer to lose revenue. Animals with fleas may become sick. Termites may cause damage that results in thousands of dollars in damage to structures. For most of the population, these situations are avoided, thanks to the regular use of pesticides. Understanding the impact of pesticides on every area of life is important when debating the use of these agrochemicals in the future. Pesticides Improve Crop ProductionOne of the most commonly-debated uses for pesticides is in the agriculture industry. Farmers use pesticides to control pests that affect their fields, improving crop yield and quality. With comprehensive, environmentally-safe farming techniques, farmers can manage large commercial farms more efficiently and effectively. With proportionately less farmland than previously in history, today’s farmers are producing more food, and they are able to meet the rising demands of a growing global population. Using targeted pesticides, farmers are able to manage the particular needs a crop may have without harming the surrounding area. Using long-term sustainability plans and technologically-advanced biochemical pesticides, the use of these agrochemicals is safer and more effective than ever. Pesticides Support Biodiversity and Protect Wildlife HabitatsThe elimination of pests that reduce crop yield helps farmers maximize profits and capitalize on available farmland. With high levels of production on high-yield farms, there is decreased need for additional farmland. By utilizing existing farms, natural habitats and preserves are spared from development. This allows for wildlife and native plants to thrive, protecting the earth’s biodiversity. Capitalizing on the advancements of today’s pesticides, these critical wildlife preserves, forests, wetlands, and plains can be left for future generations to appreciate. Pesticides Protect PropertyLearning your home has been damaged or destroyed by pests can be devastating. Insecticides are used to protect homes from carpenter ants, termites, and other insects that can damage a structure. They prevent infestation of cockroaches, spiders, mites, and other invasive bugs that can destroy homes from the inside out. In addition, pesticides protect valuable keepsakes such as historical documents, treasured garments, keepsake plants, and more. The work of pesticides within homes and other buildings to protect both structures and the contents within saves homeowners, business owners, and other building managers money and heartbreak from loss. Pesticides Improve Transportation MethodsRoadsides, intersections and airways are all safer with the use of pesticides. Tall weeds and brush are eliminated along roadways, near train tracks, and around street signs with the help of herbicides. Removing obstructions makes travel safer by increasing visibility, improving water run-off, and reducing the potential for automobile accidents. Airlines use herbicides to prevent mold from forming in fuel filters, helping to maintain safe air travel. Railway companies use pesticides to preserve railway ties from insect feeding and decay, preventing broken tracks and train derailments. In these ways, a simple trip to the corner store is made safer with the use of agrochemicals. Pesticides Make Recreation More AccessibleAnglers and sportsmen benefit from the use of pesticides to support fishing and boating on lakes and rivers. Herbicides can eliminate weed cover that smaller fish hide in, allowing bigger fish to find (and eat) the smaller fish in larger quantities. As a result, a healthy fish population thrives, giving fishers more opportunity to tell fish tales. Pesticide use near lakes and ponds makes boating and swimming more accessible with the removal of invasive weeds and excessive growth. Herbicides and pesticides are used to maintain sports turf fields, park areas for picnicking and recreation, and more. Pesticides Pro mote Good HealthRecent outbreaks of the Zika virus have strengthened public awareness of the importance of pesticide use in a community. The use of pesticides to control insect populations and repel insects is essential in promoting good health.
With the use of disinfectants, hospitals can prevent the spread of disease and infection. Housing developments employ rodenticides to control rodent populations, minimizing and eliminating the spread of rodent-based diseases such as hantavirus. Utility companies monitor and control bacteria in public drinking water by using chlorine to sanitize water supplies. Without the use of these pesticides, living conditions would be vastly different for much of the world. The broad role that pesticides play in today’s society can be overlooked by the casual 27 observer. It is common today to question the use of pesticides; however, few pause to consider the ramifications of eliminating these powerful agrochemicals and the benefits they bring the world. Partnering with agrochemical corporations to develop more effective products in the future will support a healthy life for all. The worldwide agricultural industry is facing unprecedented challenges, including growing populations, increasing consumer demands, and a shortage of available farmland. To increase crop yields in the face of these issues, farmers around the globe depend on agrochemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides. Farmers in different nations face unique political, cultural, and environmental climates that affect their ability to thrive and influence what tools they use to help them do so. In developing countries, for example, farmers can rely on agrochemicals to help them overcome numerous problems, including the following: Not Enough Usable LandFor obvious reasons, land is one of the most important components in a successful farming venture. However, in underdeveloped nations various land tenure systems have made it difficult for farmers to acquire new acreage. Land that is passed through inheritance, for example, becomes increasingly fragmented with each generation, and communal tenure systems discourage new owners from using their land for agricultural purposes. As a result, there is an increased pressure on farmers to produce more food on less available space. Compounding the problem of land tenure is the loss of current agricultural land. According to recent studies, as many as 3 million hectares of land are lost worldwide each year due to soil erosion caused by wind or water. Additionally, people annually convert 4 million hectares of land for other uses, such as housing, roads, and other urban necessities. When coupled with a rising population, this loss of available land can be devastating to food supplies. Farmers who must make do with limited space can still produce enough to thrive if they take advantage of modern pesticides and herbicides. For example, Indian Labour Statistics reveal that agrochemical use played a large part in the country’s ability to quadruple the production of grain on the same 169 hectares over a 50-year period. Lack of FinancingIn developing nations, many farmers lack access to lending institutions, and those that are able to find sources of funding have little to offer as collateral for loans because they are extremely poor. They are therefore unable to secure funding for needed equipment, which could help them increase their yields. However, if these farmers use agrochemicals to reduce their crop losses from disease, pests, and weeds, then they can increase their profits and prove their creditworthiness to lenders. This extra income will enable them to finance improvements that can lead to even larger yields and eventual financial stability. Poor EducationParticularly striking in developing nations is the considerable lack of education among farmers about technological advances. New farming tools, methods, and products are being developed, but many farmers lack the ability to participate in the training or have little understanding of why it is important. Additionally, many farmers are content to use the tools and techniques of yesterday, even if newer, improved versions are available. Farming communities that embrace advancements like pesticides and herbicides can rise out of extreme poverty and afford amenities like electricity, schools, and health centers, which can lead to increased levels of education about modern farming techniques. In addition, people tend to remain in rural communities that provide these services (as opposed to leaving to find work in cities), thus increasing the available workforce and further improving crop production. Agrochemical ChallengesMost countries regulate the use of agrochemicals, but developing nations face additional challenges due to the extra restrictions they face. For most developing nations, agrochemicals are difficult to acquire due to transportation challenges and cost. The life expectancy of the materials also makes it difficult for farmers to store large quantities of it, and farmers face rapidly changing climates that require different types of agrochemicals.
Industrial farmers must balance the use of agrochemicals with environmental concerns and consumer push for safe, healthy foods. Luckily, agrochemical companies are working to provide products that meet the needs of farmers in a changing world, ensuring that food is available for all. By combining new technologies with advanced science, they help farmers grow larger quantities of food in smaller areas. For farmers uncertain about how to meet the rising demands of consumers, agrochemicals can offer welcome relief. Farmers have been waging a battle against pests since the beginning of time. Early accounts of pesticide use give credence to the idea that man has been locked in a perpetual fight with nature. As man looks to the future of farming and the development of agrochemical products to aid in the quest to eradicate pests from the fields, a startling discovery has been made: pests have adapted to most pesticides. Pests have evolved over time, rendering the use of many pesticides ineffective and leading to the development of a different method of pest removal. Evidence for AdaptationFossilized weeds have preserved the evidence: specific genotypes have changed to avoid traditional pest control practices. Weed populations demonstrate the effect of these changes in the timing of reproduction and seed size, adaptation designed to resist the effect of winnowing. A process in which famers eliminated weed seeds from grain seeds, winnowing was part of the planting process. Farmers would save a small amount of seed to use for the following year’s crop. The weeds, however, found a way to infiltrate that process by producing seedlings that looked like crop seeds. Even farmers using hand winnowing were unable to remove all of the look-alike seeds. Insect and microorganism adaptation is more challenging to trace. However, there is evidence that crop breeding produced strains of crops resistant to pest attacks. In turn, the pests continued to evolve in an effort to survive. Traces of fungal genotypes have been found on fossilized food supplies, demonstrating the continued existence of crop pests. Recent examples of pest adaptation may provide an indication of how pests survived in previous generations: a corn pest adapted to the yearly crop rotation by encasing its eggs in a durable casing that survived until the following year’s planting. A similar pest that feeds on corn has managed its adaptation by laying its eggs in the soybean fields that will be planted with corn in the following year. Pesticide AdaptationAs man developed pesticides to manage pests, the pests continued to adapt. In a matter of growing cycles, pesticides were no longer effective in their control of pests, forcing farmers to increase usage rates and ultimately seek stronger and more effective methods. Historically, biological pest control methods could adapt with the pests, creating a race of sorts, with each group attempting to surpass the other. The development of synthetic pesticides, however, has taken pesticides out of the race. Synthetics are not able to adapt with the pests, forcing man to continually generate new pesticides that will keep pace with the adaptation. Evidence shows that pests develop a resistance to control measures within three years, creating an endless cycle of need for stronger control agents. There are two phases to pesticide adaptation. The first phase involves increasing the dose and frequency of application. An unintended side effect of this phase, however, is an increased level of pest resistance, as well as greater damage to the environment. The second phase involves the development of new pesticides. New PesticidesRecords show that an astonishing 500 insects and 150 pathogens have developed resistance to at least one form of pesticide. This continual adaptation has forced pesticide companies to move to phase two of pesticide adaptation. Agrochemical companies are at the forefront of pesticide adaptation. With improved technologies and advanced science, these companies are developing new pesticides that limit environmental impact and have a long-term effect on pests. History has shown that in the absence of new pesticides, pests that have developed resistance can have a lasting and detrimental effect on crops. The cotton industry in Nicaragua, for example, collapsed due to the aggressive pests that plagued the fields. Some individuals believe that the aggressive treatment of pests will result in a more aggressive pest. However, the development of powerful, synthetic pesticides may negate that theory. Many of today’s pesticides are more toxic than their predecessors and more selective in the pests that they affect. Due to the use of stronger pesticides, it is unlikely that pests will be able to adapt quickly. New pesticides are also more singular in focus. Traditional pesticides targeted a wide range of pests. Today’s synthetics may zero in on a particular pest, and they are more efficient in eradicating it. The Future of PesticidesAs agrochemical companies continue to develop pesticides, they are using new and improved methods of increasing viability in their products. Pesticide-resistant management is a new field within the agrochemical industry that deals primarily with the development of products that resist adaptation by pests. Researchers carefully monitor resistance strains and work to develop strains of pests that can be used as control groups or as target opportunities for new classes of pesticides.
Farmers are facing new challenges in meeting the demands of the world’s growing population. As the demand for food increases and the number of available growing areas decreases, farmers must be vigilant in preserving crops and mitigating losses as a result of disease and pests. Agrochemicals will continue to play a key role in this fight. Humankind has been managing food production for centuries. Since the earliest civilizations, gardeners have worked to safeguard crops and provide their people with food. Though farming methods have changed, the need for nutritious foods that meet the demands of the world's population continues, with each generation facing growing challenges. Today's farmers are trying to balance social, economic, and environmental concerns, often pitting the use of agrochemicals against organic methods. In the quest for more nutritious, safer foods, which is really better? To find out, it helps to explore commonly held ideas regarding the growing methods for organic food. Myth: Organic farmers don't use pesticides.Perhaps the most compelling argument for organic farming is that no pesticides are used. Shockingly to most, however, is the truth: certified organic farms can use pesticides, and they often use them in greater quantity than their non-organic counterparts. The reason behind this, in part, is that organic pesticides are generally not as strong as synthetic pesticides, requiring more frequent applications. To further complicate the issue, most organic pesticides are designed for broad applications. Pesticides are sprayed liberally and can therefore have an adverse effect on the soil, wildlife, and other plants. What about organic pesticides? When asked, the majority of consumers affirm that they purchase organic produce to avoid pesticide residue on their foods. Many proponents of organic farming claim that pesticides produced organically are safer and more effective than synthetic pesticides. Few are aware that the pesticides produced from natural sources, with little to no processing, can be just as toxic as synthetics. In addition, farms that use organic pesticides, or who use no pesticides at all, are often plagued with bacterial outbreaks and other microbial infestations due to a lack of efficient pest removal. Myth: Organic foods are healthierAnother argument used in the case for organic foods is its supposed higher nutritional value. This makes sense, after all; if one has a choice between food with extra vitamins and minerals and food with diminished nutritional value, the choice is clear. Studies over the last 50 years, however, reveal that there is minimal difference in the nutritional value of organic and non-organic foods. In comparison studies, the presence of 15 major elements were analyzed and found to be virtually equal among foods. Ironically, in some cases, organic food contained higher quantities of certain unhealthy substances, such as trans fats, making them less nutritious than non-organic food. In conjunction with being healthier, organic foods are said to taste better. Research dispels this idea as well. In a blind taste test, nearly 80 percent of participants failed to identify the organic foods correctly. Myth: Organic methods are more environmentally friendly. Concerns over the long-term effects of pesticides and other agrochemicals on the environment give many organic-food proponents additional motivation, and most would agree that mitigating our damage to the earth and environment is a worthy undertaking. Logically, then, one would assume that implementing the least invasive and most natural farming methods is the better choice. Organic methods, as previously mentioned, use their own set of pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment. In addition, organic farmers often refuse to adopt new methodologies and practices that could benefit the crop. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for example, are almost universally vilified and shunned by the organic community, even when there is clear evidence supporting their use. This lack of adoption of new strains of food organisms can be harmful to the environment as well. As a result of refusing to use GMOs, farmers end up spraying, a practice that could be eliminated if the proper seeds were used. Further bolstering the evidence that organic farms are not more environmentally friendly is the substantial difference in the amount of food produced. Organic farms are not able to produce crops in the same quantity as other farms, necessitating the development of additional farmland. This reduction in forest areas leads to further environmental concerns, making the organic farm more harmful to the environment overall. Perhaps most perplexing in the debate over organic and non-organic farming methods is the idea that consumers and growers must either wholly support one or the other. It seems that advocates for organic farming can see no benefit in applying alternative methods, while those who support agrochemicals see little use in organic processes. Rather than adhering to an “all or nothing” mentality, farmers and consumers would benefit from an adaptive approach that makes the most of each method. As agrochemical companies work to improve their product capabilities, organic farmers can adopt new technologies to improve their farming and food for all. Farmers in the world face an unprecedented challenge. Our global population is growing, and available farmland is decreasing. Climate change is altering weather patterns and bringing new pests and species into different climate zones. For farmers and others who are concerned with ensuring that there is enough food to meet the world's demands, there is a sense of urgency. How can farmers produce the food the world needs without sacrificing quality? Is it possible for the land to support higher demands? According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, between 20 to 40 percent of the world's crops suffer damage from pests and disease, and losses are significant. In addition, there are nearly 250 species of weeds that cause significant harm to food crops. To compound the problem, many weed seeds can lie dormant underground for up to 40 years. Why use pesticides?Farmers who spray their crops with pesticides are attempting to reduce the damage inflicted by pests. Pests can include any biological organism that destroys or damages a crop. Some pests consume the crop, others steal nutrients the crop needs to flourish, and still others damage the crop during storage or transport. These pests not only harm the plant; they also affect the quantity and quality of the yield, and therefore the price and availability of all the foods the crop is used to produce. Unlike the simpler, low-tech measures that a home gardener may undertake to protect their garden, defending thousands of acres of crops requires a coordinated, well-planned initiative and necessitates the use of commercial products. These are a few of the reasons that farmers have turned to agrochemical companies for help. Crop needs vary not just by the particular species, but also by geographic location, climate, soil, and moisture level, as well as by the crop’s stage of growth and overall health. Understanding the specific needs of each crop, its current and potential pests, and how those pests damage the crop allows the farmer to determine the exact pesticide that should be applied. Many people assume that pesticides are “one size fits all”—that farmers simply spray one general type of chemical on their crops, in any amount, but this is not accurate. Pesticide application is a precise science, and farmers use different chemicals for different specific purposes. In general, pesticides are grouped according to a classification by mode of action. The mode of action describes the specific mechanism by which the pesticide inhibits the pest. What would happen as a result of not using pesticides?Without the use of pesticides, farmers would struggle to protect their crops from pests, and they would be forced to use labor-intensive, expensive methods, such as frequent crop rotation, hand weeding, or mechanical methods. As a result, however, there could be significant reductions in the quantity and quality of crops. Farmers would be unable to manage large crop fields without massive increases in manpower, and consumers would have to accept produce with more blemishes. These changes would also result in an increase in production costs, which would be passed on to the consumer. Important information for consumersMany consumers are concerned about the use of agrochemicals. To alleviate these concerns and help improve public opinion of these products, more information is needed. By educating consumers, farmers allow them to understand the benefits of pesticides. Consumers should know that:
Do farmers need to protect themselves?Another concern consumers have regarding the use of pesticides is the effects of the products on the farmers and their workers. Today's products are technologically advanced compared to their predecessors. In contrast to the products used in the past, the pesticides being used by today's farmers are specifically designed for specific purposes. Farmers analyze soil conditions, crop rotation patterns, potential pest problems, and a variety of other factors to select the exact product they need. Application is done in a precise, controlled manner to eliminate cross-contamination and reduce run-off. Farmers are aware of the dangers of overuse of pesticides. They have become educated on the potential consequences (such as long-term soil damage) and are generally careful to provide staff training to ensure proper application. Staff training also ensures that farm workers are using best practices to protect themselves and others from inadvertent contamination that could lead to health problems. Pesticides provide farmers and consumers with an additional tool to effectively meet the demands of a growing population. Despite the concerns that many people have, these products make today's quantity, variety, and quality of food possible. Through continued research and the development of new, improved pesticides, our global food supply can remain intact. Since the advent of farming, growers have been engaged in a timeless battle with nature. Harsh weather conditions, pests, and disease decimate growing fields and reduce crop supplies. As a result, farmers are fighting to preserve their crops and livelihoods. An increasing global population has fueled the demand for food, putting farmers under more pressure to investigate methods to improve existing crop production and expand the capabilities of growing fields. As farmers work to meet global demand, there are more than food supplies at stake. Perhaps most alarming to some is the diminishing cocoa supply that threatens to affect chocolate production over the course of the next five to 10 years. A Look BackDeep in the Amazon, the birthplace of chocolate, farmers collect cocoa pods in much the same way as their ancestors did. Not much has changed in the fields among the cocoa plants. Cocoa farming is a labor-intensive process that involves the use of machetes and other dangerous tools to grow and harvest crops. In order to manage demand, a large numbers of workers is needed to harvest and produce the cocoa plants scattered across the countryside on small farms. Similarly, farmers on the other side of the world are producing cocoa in the same manner of their ancestors, although they are generally working on larger farms. Cocoa farming is a family affair, as well, with both young and old working alongside one another in the fields that their forefathers planted. Cocoa TodayGhana, the number-two cocoa producer in the world, is struggling to meet the demands of chocolate users. A higher demand for chocolate in China and India, where chocolate was once considered a luxury that only the wealthy could afford, has added to the need. With the emergence of new markets, there has been a sharp increase in the amount of chocolate needed, and costs have increased nearly 40% in the last five years. Government subsidies, which are designed to support and maintain cocoa growers, have changed. Instead of supplying farmers with fertilizer and seedlings, they paid higher subsidies and required farmers to purchase the needed supplies. However, the plan backfired. Farmers grew accustomed to higher payouts, but neglected to purchase fertilizer, so the crops suffered. Others simply decided that the effort to grow cocoa was too labor intensive and sold their fields to gold prospectors. While government officials have reverted the subsidy program back to the original plan, cocoa companies fear that it may be too late. A lack of rainfall threatens the crops, as well. The worst drought in over 30 years is wreaking havoc on the fields, coupled with dusty winds that have damaged cocoa pods. In addition, a new focus on child labor has provided protection for youth and has made provisions for young children to attend school rather than work in the fields. Despite the long-term benefits, the immediate result has been a dramatic reduction in the workforce. Locating younger farmers to replace aging cocoa growers has become increasingly difficult. Introducing Agro-chemicalsNext door to Ghana is the Ivory Coast, the number-one cocoa producer in the world. By adopting the new measures introduced by sustainability experts, the Ivory Coast has produced record-breaking back-to-back crops. This bumper crop, however, is not even half of the potential crop if all of the farmers adopted good agricultural practices. In 2014, 10 of the largest cocoa farmers agreed, in an unprecedented move, to share their private data related to crop yields and farming methods. Many believe that one of the most effective methods to reduce crop loss due to severe weather and to improve plant development is to encourage farmers to use fertilizer. Agro-chemicals, in the form of fertilizer can improve plant stability, maximize plant yields, and reduce the amount of farmland needed. In order to encourage farmers to utilize new growing techniques, including the use of fertilizer, chocolate companies are developing training programs for farmers. Some of these programs can last up to three months and teach farmers new business practices, as well as how to capitalize on the benefits of fertilizer. Introducing fertilizer to farmers allows them to produce more and reduce crop losses. The widespread acceptance of the use of fertilizer has been challenged by government officials in some countries that do not understand the positive impact of agro-chemical solutions. Additional training and protocols that make the acquisition of fertilizer affordable and efficient for farmers will increase the likelihood that they will use them. The Future Is BrightFarmers who produce cocoa plants are in high demand. Companies that depend on growing fields filled with cocoa plants are scrambling to secure what they need to meet demand. In order to assist with increased crop needs, scientists and analysts are teaching farmers new ways to farm in order to maximize crop production and yield a stronger and more efficient crop.
Cocoa production is big business. After a dramatic decline in cocoa commodities in 2011, prices have been climbing slowly. In 2015, there was a sharp increase in the price per ton of cocoa, which increased to nearly $3,500. Globally, over $1 billion is spent annually on projects to improve cocoa sustainability. However, with a two-year growth cycle for cocoa, farmers and companies must think both short- and long-term. By developing new farming techniques and adopting the use of fertilizer, cocoa production can continue to thrive around the world, both now and in the future. It’s inevitable - if there are plants, there are going to be pests. Farmers, home gardeners, commercial growers, and food suppliers worldwide struggle to deal with the pests that compete for humankind's food supply or are simply undesirable. As part of their efforts to rid growing areas of these pests, pesticides were developed. Pesticide is now used to refer to any number of devices, methods, or chemicals used to remove pests from plants and animals. To understand the reliance of growers on pesticides, it’s important to understand the development of both farming and pest removal. Early Forms of Pest RemovalSince the advent of agriculture, man has been locked in a perpetual battle against pests that invade crops and wreak havoc on food supplies. The earliest farmers dealt with the invasion of pests with natural methods. For example, some farmers would plant their crops during particular phases of the moon. Other farmers relied on crop rotation to reduce pest infiltration. By planting small amounts of varied crops, farmers were able to manage the number of pests. Ancient records suggest that farmers discovered naturally pest-resistant plants, and would grow those plants in abundance. Primitive methods also included picking pests off by hand, using scare tactics such as loud noises to chase away grasshoppers, or introducing natural predators to manage insect populations. Introduction of PesticidesWhile many believe that man-made pesticides are a recent development, the ancient Chinese were among the first to introduce the idea of applying chemicals to plants. In fact, farmers in the Middle East, Rome, and China were the originators of pesticide development. In ancient times, Chinese farmers crushed the flowers of the pyrethrum plant, Middle Eastern farmers used sulfur to control their pest problems, and Romans used crushed arsenic to keep their crops safe. These methods were effective, but labor intensive. As the size and scope of farms grew, farmers needed more reliable and manageable resources. It wasn’t until the 1840s that pesticides were used on a large scale. A fungus invaded Britain, and sulfur was successfully used to control the epidemic. Within thirty years, farmers were depending on mass-produced pesticides. For example, potato farmers in Colorado used paris green, a water-insoluble chemical that protected crops from the Colorado beetle. Tar oil, quassia and other types of pesticides were used in limited quantities until World War II. Research conducted during that time led to the development of DDT and other substances, beginning a science devoted solely to the production of pesticides and other aids for farming. Application of PesticidesEarly pesticide distribution was done manually, with farmers applying small quantities to specific zones or plants. The late 1800s introduced the large-scale application of pesticides through the use of giant machines. In the 1920s, airplanes were adopted as a means of covering large crop fields. By the 1950s, regulations were in place to ensure low-flying, well-controlled application. Today’s pesticides are applied in a variety of manners, ensuring limited environmental impact, concentrated applications, and maximum efficiency. As farms began producing larger crop yields and the demand for food supply increased, the demand for easier application of pesticides grew as well. Crop dusting, the application of large amounts of pesticide to large, flat growing fields via airplane, is still used in many parts of the world. Hand-held applicators, held by workers as they walk through fields, are used in smaller settings or where more precise spray coverage is needed. Large, tractor-like applicators can be driven through fields to spray areas between trees or tall crops. Integrated Pest ManagementIn the 1960s, the Integrated Pest Management process was developed to reduce dependence on chemical application and increase the effectiveness of pest removal. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the process of using multiple methods within a single farm.
IPM involves using chemical pesticides in addition to natural methods. These methods may include using bacterial, fungal, or viral insecticides as well as introducing natural predators and parasites. Many of the methods used are the same as those discovered by early farmers: crop rotation, using pest-resistant plants, and plowing at the most effective time are all still effective ways to manage pests and are still widely used today. Another component of the IPM process may be to introduce sexual-attractant traps, sterilized male insects, or insects that have been genetically engineered to remain juveniles into the fields. Global use of pesticides varies as countries begin to capitalize on the development of newer, more efficient man-made products and as they find the correct balance of IPM to manage their region’s pests. Man will continue to depend on farmers to supply the world’s foods, and farmers will continue to rely on pesticides to help maximize their crop yields. Scientific advances and developments will continue to increase effectiveness and reduce environmental impact as farmers and scientists work together to find sustainable solutions. As the world’s population increases, the demand for food will continue to grow, creating an increased need for pesticides and the benefits they bring to the farm. |