Crop protection: the vital tool.

A hearty congratulations to CropLife America, the trade association whose members include crop protection manufacturers, formulators, and distributors, on its 75th anniversary.

This special supplement to AgriMarketing provides readers with an in-depth look at the association, its fascinating history, its current activities, and its bright future.

As any pre-1970 farm kid knows, walking fields to rogue weeds in the middle of summer was a dreaded task. Heat, humidity, and the occasional snake made for a hard day's work. A short quarter mile stretched toward a seemingly endless horizon.

Harvest, as well, could be frustrating. Fallen and tangled corn stalks due to rootworm, empty ears due to corn borer, wilting plants due to disease. All were major plagues for crop producers.

But the advent of advanced crop protection products put an end to many of those challenges.

Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators and other protectants have boosted yields by 20% to 40% and in some cases have made it possible to even produce a crop. Their ability to fight off nutrient and moisture-robbing weeds, eliminate destructive insects and assist plants to reach their true potential proves their value.

The crop protection industry, still in its infancy just 40 years ago, has now grown up. There are now an estimated two dozen manufacturers providing products to the North American market. With annual sales totaling $6 billion, and employment of manufacturers and the distribution channel of over 100,000, it is one of the major engines driving the agricultural economy.

CropLife America has been with crop protection all along the way. Helping shape the regulatory process and protecting it from claims that are made from organizations, some of which are well intentioned, some of which aren't.

So, our hats are off to the CropLife America staff, its members and the entire crop protection industry, as it provides the tools that are necessary to supply food, feed, fiber, and fuel to the world's growing population!