Agrochemicals are not the villains of agriculture or the environment

Agrochemicals are often used as a scapegoat for agriculture’s impact on the environment, yet these chemicals do not by definition harm the environment, and they play an important part in food production, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn of CropLife South Africa. Magda du Toit reports.

- Magda du Toit

Chemical remedies used in agriculture can be classified as being of natural or synthetic origin and are used to keep crops, livestock, poultry and pets free from pests such as insects, fungi and bacteria, as well as fungal and viral diseases and weeds. Common agricultural chemicals (agrochemicals) include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, adjuvants, fertilisers and veterinary chemicals. Agricultural chemicals may be purchased in various concentrations and forms such as liquids, powders, granules and pellets, depending on their intended use. Wide-spread use of agrochemicals necessitates the need for regulating these products.

“Regulations should be in place to protect not only the crops and animals, but also the health of workers handling plant protection solutions, the environment and consumers,” Rodney Bell, CEO of CropLife South Africa (CropLife SA), said during a media briefing held recently.

South Africa has a very strong regulatory environment for pesticides, which is mostly guided by the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (No. 36 of 1947) and its accompanying regulations. The purpose of the Act is to regulate the registration process, importation, manufacture, sale and use of fertilisers, farm feeds and agricultural remedies. The Act relies on support of other acts such as the Hazardous Substances Act (No. 15 of 1973), the Trade Metrology Act (No. 77 of 1973) and various other industry standards.

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