Benefits of pesticides

Issues: benefits, crop protection benefits, public health, vector control Contributing towards productivity, human health and the environment
Pesticides have contributed significantly to improving quality of life and safeguarding the environment. Although often taken for granted, without these important products, food production would decline, many fruits and vegetables would be in short supply and prices would rise. Far more of our parklands and natural habitats would have to be turned over to food production to meet the demands of a growing global population. Insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and west Nile virus would proliferate unchecked. The use of pesticides brings numerous benefits and makes a significant contribution to the lifestyles we have come to expect. These benefits are not confined to the users of pesticides, but reach the great majority of people across the world. The general public often take for granted or oppose the use of pesticides, but they make possible the year-round availability of high-quality, affordable food. Similarly, the environment and wild plants, birds and animals benefit from the carefully regulated application of chemical pesticides. Over the last 40 years, pesticides have proven to be indispensable tools in the sustainable production of high quality food and fibres. Since their introduction, farmers have been able to produce bigger crops on less land. Crop productivity has increased anywhere between 20 and 50%. Pesticides allow farmers to maximise the benefits of other inputs, which include high quality seeds, fertilizers, and precious water resources. While helping to improve the economics of farming, pesticides have also made farm work less arduous and labour intensive, and contributed towards environmental protection. In developing countries, pesticides have reduced the need for hand weeding, and thus the all too frequent total commitment of entire families to farm labour. Making farming more efficient has reduced deforestation and conserved natural resources. Extensive tillage (ploughing) of land has been reduced in favour of application of herbicides, and soil erosion has decreased as a result. Losses of organic matter from the soil have also decreased. Appropriate use of modern pesticides to control invasive species and noxious weeds has been important in environmental management. Whilst the producers of our food have benefited, so we as consumers have reaped the rewards. Our markets and stores are full of food that is safer, more nutritious and affordable than ever. Fruit and vegetables that were once seasonal are now in year-round abundance. in developing countries, pesticides help combat the spectre of starvation and malnutrition that kills millions every year. While it is unfortunately true that about 800 million people are still under-nourished, this number has stayed essentially constant during a period when the worlds population doubled. The nutritional value of diets of low-income families has increased through being able to afford the recommended servings of fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only are pesticides contributing to improved diets, they also help eliminate pests that cause human disease and property damage. Whilst the spectre of insect-borne disease such as Malaria, Dengue fever, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus loom large, pesticides remain the most effective method of keeping these threats at bay. Household pesticide products used to combat termites, cockroaches, rats, and other pests also make a big difference to the everyday quality of life for many. Of course, pesticides can also be hazardous if not used appropriately. To make sure that users receive the benefits and are protected from the risks, CropLife International, our members and national associations run a number of safe use training programmes.

Crop Protection Outreach Programmes

In order to better communicate the benefits of pesticide use to the public, the plant science industry initiated information campaigns that seek to open dialogue between the public and the industry. Amongst the key objectives of the projects are to enable the public at large to well-informed decisions about pesticide issues. They have made significant inroads into changing perceptions about pesticides, and the positive role these chemicals play in everyday life. Further information on the these programmes can be found at the respective country websites.