AGROCHEMICALS AND FOOD PRODUCTION IN SOUTH AFRICA AT THE CROSSROADS

Griffon Poison Information Centre 082-446-8946 (24 HRS)

Gerhard H Verdoorn BirdLife South Africa Griffon Consultants

AGRICULTURAL LAND
A MODIFIED NATURAL SYSTEM WHERE CERTAIN PLANTS AND ANIMALS ARE CULTIVATED AND BRED FOR OPTIMAL FOOD PRODUCTION USING NATURAL BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC SUPPORT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT DUE TO AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND .

PESTICIDE MISUSE!!

SOME CRITICAL QUESTIONS

Can the world currently produce ample & affordable food without chemical support? What is effect of agrochemicals on human health & the environment? Can agricultural producers maintain healthy ecosystems on farms while applying agrochemicals? Are agricultural producers in TOTAL control of our agrochemicals?

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL OBLIGATION AS FOOD PRODUCERS

Conserve biodiversity (i.e. all biota) while producing healthy food a challenge! Minimise agric induced negative impacts on the land difficult! Be responsible agrochemical users easy! Constantly strive to use softer and more selective agrochemical products in order to minimise negative impacts getting easier!

SOME OF THE MISDEMEANORS

Off-label application of agrochemicals concoctions for cheaper application using agrochemicals on crops that they are not registered for Poor storage and control of agrochemicals allowing unskilled access to agrochemicals poor empty container management stockpiling agrochemical products Excessive application of agrochemicals overdosing or unnecessary application Failure to comply with withholding periods generating health risks for consumers

CONSIDERATIONS in terms of agrochemicals and IAP

Natural organisms can support IAP (IPM) birds, predatory insects, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles Restoration of natural systems is essential natural veld, wetlands, water courses, tree corridors (will bring back supporters) Natural crop & livestock production is possible dont have to be a pot smoking greeny to do that Responsible agrochemical use is still possible it takes a responsible mind to be a responsible pesticide user

THE ORGANIC PESTICIDE CONTROVERSY

Organic pesticides? unethical marketing ploy by certain lobby harmless, safe, contains no chemicals, ethical Misunderstanding of chemistry and terminology organic is C, H, O includes >99% pesticides Unethical claims on organic pesticides environmentally friendly pesticides????!!!!! harmless to children, pets and environment????!!!! Organic pesticide controversy leads to more irresponsible use public are highly gullible and misinformed very large dosage rates and very frequent applications

IS THERE SCOPE FOR ORGANIC?

Certainly in a young niche market for elite consumers hopefully it is done ethically and above board Terminology should be laundered use natural (nature generated) and synthetic (man made) for two types of pesticides For both natural and organic agricultural production, pesticides have a role to play should still maintain IAP principles ensure that products are registered ensure that pesticide ethics and principles are adhered to In many cases natural pesticides may fail completely that is why IAP is critically important

WHY ALL THE SONG AND DANCE?

Agricultural production should consider all living organisms in terms of agrochemical impacts invertebrates, amphibians & fish are extremely sensitive to CHEMICALS (not just pesticides) cypermethrin LD50: avian vs pisces vs amphibia organics contains plant oils: terrible for frogs Agricultural production becomes increasingly expensive vs cheap market plus anti-agricultural lobby wasting money through irresponsible pesticide use fuels the fire of uneconomical agricultural production International pressure on pesticides is increasing OPs taking a beating, EnDis evidence is dooming, demands for safer food are increasing, consumer resistance to pesticide produced food stuffs

FOR CLASSIC, NATURAL AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Be much more scientific with our pesticides and pest management forget about the environmentally friendly pesticide slogans and marketing ploys Be much more cognizant of the chemistry and toxicology behind pesticides of whatever nature learn about, AND understand the molecules AND their supporting formulations Consider all pesticides to have potentially harmful effects on non-target organisms that will teach us to be clinically meticulous about our pesticide applications

POINTERS FOR THE FUTURE

Follow label instructions to the letter or: have our pesticides banned Stop deliberate and accidental poisoning of wildlife or: have our pesticides banned Listen to technical advise and implement or: have our pesticides banned Become part of responsible use culture or: have our pesticides banned Train our farm workers in responsible use or: have our pesticides banned

THANKS, BEST WISHES AND GOOD PRODUCTION