Opinion: Cautiously Optimistic About Crop Protection

The hammer recently fell for many fruit and vegetable growers in Europe. Just a couple of months ago, we reported that the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety had been considering proposals to reduce, and in some cases eliminate, certain crop protection products. The committee ultimately voted to support these restrictions, and last month, the European Union backed them up, approving legislation that will eventually prevent growers from using many of the active ingredients that are important in controlling key pests.

Almost immediately after the committee made its decision, the European Crop Protection Association stepped up to protest the move, arguing that many of these products are vital to the production of fruits and vegetables across Europe. They argued that several of the ingredients under scrutiny have been shown to meet high safety standards, and that the European agriculture industry will have a very difficult time sustaining the European food supply.

It wasn’t just industry insiders who voiced their opinions. Scientists from across Europe presented a petition to the European Parliament to express their concern at the rate at which crop protection products are being removed from the market. According to the United Kingdom website Farmers Weekly Interactive, the group of 72 independent and government scientists said that fewer active ingredients would inevitably lead to problems, as pests that were regularly treated with just a single product would develop resistance.

However, it doesn’t look like these efforts are working. And now, the question becomes, what does this mean for the U.S. fruit and vegetable industries?

Don’t Sound The Alarm Just Yet

There are two areas that could be affected by the decision in Europe. One is the export market for U.S. producers, and other countries around the world for that matter. The restrictions on certain materials in Europe would likely mean that any product coming into Europe must fall under the same scrutiny. At this point, it’s too early to tell what effect this will have.

The second thought to consider is what this means for the U.S. crop protection industry. No doubt there are many people wondering if the same thing could happen here, especially given the potential policies of the new Obama administration and the new Congress.

Personally, I don’t think there’s too much to worry about, at least not yet. Don’t forget that the European community tends to lean liberal, and is often at the forefront when it comes to issues such as this. Plus, given the current economic market, it’s likely that many projects and issues that are not directly related to our financial markets are going to be placed on the back burner in the short term.

Aside from this, for the first time in a while, the agriculture industry seems to be making strides in public perception. The phrase “buy local” has become a household term, even surpassing “organic” in some circles. It seems as if people are willing to accept the fact that growers need to do what is necessary to keep their crops free of pests. The most important thing to them is that their food is fresh, tasty, and provided by a local producer.

I was at a meeting in Ohio last month, where one grower pointed out that most public concerns about food today seem to come not from a “pesticide” perspective, but from food safety. That’s not exactly good news — it’s simply shifting the burden of responsibility from one thing to another — but it is a shift from the past. The Alar controversy was perhaps the most prominent recent example of a chemical scare, and that was nearly 20 years ago.

Don’t Take Anything For Granted

However, we all know that nothing is ever safe. The crackdown on fumigants that’s taking place today is a reminder of that. Growers are always facing an uphill battle of some sort, whether it’s fumigants, organophosphates, or simply keeping wildlife out of their orchard.

My advice? Three things. First, remember that there are organizations such as the U.S. Apple Association and others fighting on your behalf to make sure that any decisions made regarding crop protection tools are based on sound scientific evidence.

Second, be mindful of the materials you are using at all times. Build a practical IPM program for your farm, one that includes rotation of chemistries.

Finally, educate your customers about your pest control practices. A relationship based on trust is worth its weight in gold.