Chemical burn: who is to blame?

In this article, farmers were given advice on how best to avoid costly damage to their crops caused by chemical burn.

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Chemical burn of crops can cost a great deal of money, and when the damage has been done comes the cry: “Who’s to blame?” The grower will blame the herbicide company, and vice versa.

With the wider use today of chemicals for the control of pests, weeds and disease, chemical burn is on the increase. A spokesperson for the South African Agricultural Union (SAAU) [Agri SA today] has confirmed as much, and that it is giving the union serious cause for concern.

With the aim of settling such cases amicably and thus, hopefully, avoiding taking the matter to court, the SAAU has approached the chemical companies and a joint body has been formed. It comprises representatives of the SAAU, the chemical companies and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, who will thrash out a code of practice on the matter

Where there is much at stake and losses are likely to run into many thousands of rands, farmers confronted with a disease that is considered unusual in their area should immediately seek expert advice from the ministry.