Crop protection is essential to enable farmers to protect crops that ultimately provide the population with food and drink, animal feed and essential fibre.
By Nico van Burick
Sustainability forms the foundation of any farming operation, and South Africa has a responsible agricultural sector that is strongly focused on it, says Annelize Crosby, Agbiz’s manager of legal intelligence. This is in response to the government’s proposed ban on the pesticide Terbufos.
She says the responsible use of pesticides is an inherent part of sustainability and South Africa also has a comprehensive regulatory framework.
“The agricultural sector wants to be part of the solution to search for less harmful crop protection methods and agents, but this is not going to happen overnight. A science-based holistic approach is needed.”
The government announced on 12 June that the cabinet is in favour of a ban on Terbufos after six children died of poisoning in Soweto last year. They are believed to have acquired it through food purchased at spaza shops.
In agriculture, the pesticide is mainly used for the control of nematodes, but smuggled Terbufos is sold illegally on street corners to combat rats in informal settlements.
Balancing Crop Protection with Safety Concerns
Crosby says non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called on government to ban all 194 hazardous pesticides currently registered in South Africa. They also reject the proposal that they be phased out in phases at the discretion of the industry.
“It is important that all decisions are based on facts and science and that there is a holistic approach that takes into account all socio-economic, food security, health and environmental implications, while considering all available options.
“It is crucial for sustainable and safe food production to protect crops from pests and diseases, counteract the influence of weeds, and promote growth and yields. Agricultural solutions that are used responsibly and in accordance with regulations and legislation are critical to achieving these goals.”
Crosby emphasises that Terbufos is a highly effective pesticide that is successfully used on a variety of crops.
“Alternatives are not readily available or feasible in terms of effectiveness, cost and control of excretions. In many cases, alternatives are also considered highly hazardous.”
She says that a direct comparison of products that can be used in South Africa versus those in other countries is also not fair. Climatic conditions, agricultural practices, the type of pests and even the type of crops differ in South Africa and Europe, for example.
“There is already a controlled phasing out of old agricultural solutions, while new technologies which pose less risk to people and the environment are being adopted. One must also realise that a ban on a product is not necessarily a solution to its illegal use or poisoning. The pesticide Aldicarb, which was banned in South Africa in 2016, can still be purchased at taxi ranks and from street vendors.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Gerhard Verdoorn, director of the Griffon Poison Information Centre and a consultant to the agrochemical industry, says he is not aware of any request by the government to seek comments, as required by law, on its proposed ban on Terbufos.
Since the announcement on 12 June, there have been no further visible developments.
