Crop protection: the vital tool.
by Henderson, Lynn
A hearty congratulations to CropLife America, the trade association
whose members include crop protection manufacturers, formulators, and
distributors, on its 75th anniversary.
This special supplement to AgriMarketing provides readers with an
in-depth look at the association, its fascinating history, its current
activities, and its bright future.
As any pre-1970 farm kid knows, walking fields to rogue weeds in
the middle of summer was a dreaded task. Heat, humidity, and the
occasional snake made for a hard day's work. A short quarter mile
stretched toward a seemingly endless horizon.
Harvest, as well, could be frustrating. Fallen and tangled corn
stalks due to rootworm, empty ears due to corn borer, wilting plants due
to disease. All were major plagues for crop producers.
But the advent of advanced crop protection products put an end to
many of those challenges.
Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators and
other protectants have boosted yields by 20% to 40% and in some cases
have made it possible to even produce a crop. Their ability to fight off
nutrient and moisture-robbing weeds, eliminate destructive insects and
assist plants to reach their true potential proves their value.
The crop protection industry, still in its infancy just 40 years
ago, has now grown up. There are now an estimated two dozen
manufacturers providing products to the North American market. With
annual sales totaling $6 billion, and employment of manufacturers and
the distribution channel of over 100,000, it is one of the major engines
driving the agricultural economy.
CropLife America has been with crop protection all along the way.
Helping shape the regulatory process and protecting it from claims that
are made from organizations, some of which are well intentioned, some of
which aren't.
So, our hats are off to the CropLife America staff, its members and
the entire crop protection industry, as it provides the tools that are
necessary to supply food, feed, fiber, and fuel to the world's
growing population!
COPYRIGHT 2008 Doane Information
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NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.