Crop protection chemicals
By 2030, the world's population is expected to rise to over eight billion - the need for safe and environmentally friendly crop protection chemical has never been greater
About 800 chemicals are registered for use in crop protection around the world, representing a major $multi-billion industry. Several global companies make it their business to discover, develop and sell new products, one of which can cost the company ca $200m to bring to the market. A typical research programme may take five years, and this is followed by a development period of around eight years, during which time the chemical will be rigorously tested to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety - to farmers, consumers and in the environment. In addition, the route by which the compound will be prepared on a multi-tonne scale is determined during this development period. But are these chemicals the answer to food sustainability and what is the outlook for the development of new products?
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