Overview:
- The importance of bioprotection products in sustainable agriculture
- A growing problem: Fake bioprotection products
- What are fake plant protection products?
- Innovative solutions to foster enhanced awareness and facilitate smarter choices
- How to identify fake bioprotection products
- How to deal with fake bioprotection products
- Keeping the growers and the environment safe
The demand for organically and sustainably produced food is driving rapid growth in the global bioprotection products market. This trend is further driven by rising concerns about the impacts of synthetic pesticides on health and the environment, fueled by enhanced awareness and stricter regulations. However, increased demand has led to the proliferation of fake and unregulated products.
Fake bioprotection products impact trust and pose a significant risk to farmers, consumers and the environment. Thus, identifying the right biological products and ensuring their authenticity is key. Supporting farmers in spotting legitimate products empowers them to make informed decisions for better crop management.
The importance of bioprotection products in sustainable agriculture
Bioprotection products play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture by offering environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional agro-chemicals while maintaining crop health and productivity. For instance, in 2020, Kenya averted its worst locust crisis in 70 years with the application of the biopesticide Green Muscle. Similarly, a study by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research showed that farmers using selected biopesticide technologies reduced the use of agro-chemicals by 35 – 40% and obtained a yield increase of 24 to 32%.
The importance of biological products extends beyond crop protection. STDF, an associate member of the CABI BioProtection Portal, has been a frontrunner in demonstrating how innovative biopesticide use, combined with conventional plant protection methods, can reduce residues and promote safe, sustainable trade.
Generally, there are increasing reports of farmers successfully using bioprotection products, highlighting their role in improving crop health, reducing chemical inputs, and enhancing yields.
A growing problem: Fake bioprotection products
Despite these benefits, many farmers still prefer synthetic alternatives. This is primarily due to poor awareness and trust in available biocontrol and biopesticide products.
The biopesticides market has its own challenges, such as high production costs and shorter shelf life. Combined with an increased demand expected to reach USD 15.66 billion by 2029, this creates an environment where illicit products can infiltrate the market.
For example, in 2021, Sri Lanka banned the import of agro-chemicals and pesticides. As a result, counterfeit and low-quality alternatives flooded the market, which exacerbated the challenges for farmers and the agricultural sector and the trust of farmers in the efficiency of these products dropped.
What are fake plant protection products?
Fake or illicit products include intentionally and fraudulently misrepresented products that can:
- Be poorly formulated
- Contain ineffective or unlisted ingredients
- Be falsely labelled to look like real products
Together with the lack of enforcement of existing laws and legislative loopholes, illicit products are already a notable problem. While there is still a gap in the availability of data specifically for bioprotection products, illicit pesticides are estimated to make up to 15 per cent of the global crop protection market, valued at US$60 billion. Counterfeit and illegal pesticides and biopesticides damage the reputation of legitimate stakeholders and challenge sustainable agriculture.
Innovative solutions to foster enhanced awareness and facilitate smarter choices
Unlike synthetic pesticides, the market for biological products is still nascent, with weaker regulatory frameworks. While the rise of illicit bioprotection products is a complex and multifaceted problem, simple and cohesive steps can act as an effective defence. CABI has been working on creating awareness through multiple programmes including PlantwisePlus. Furthermore, dedicated resources, including the CABI BioProtection Portal, a free global resource for biological pest management have been developed. The Portal offers a comprehensive, searchable directory of nationally registered biocontrol and biopesticide crop protection products, along with detailed guidance to help agricultural advisors and growers source and effectively incorporate these sustainable natural products into integrated pest management programmes.
How to identify fake bioprotection products
As a consumer, there are multiple ways to minimize the risk of buying illicit bioprotection products. Here are some tips:
Check the packaging carefully
- Look for safety features like a seal or a hologram
- Watch out for weight/volume discrepancies
- Check the print quality and spelling: poor quality, misaligned text and misspelt words can be a sign
- Make sure expiry dates are not altered
Buy from trusted sources
- Use registered agro-input dealers or local suppliers, including community-driven ones
- Avoid buying from unknown sellers
- Check that the product detailed on the invoice and delivery note matches the product ordered and delivered
Inspect the product
Pay attention to the condition of the bottle: Is it sealed? Does it have an unusual odour? Make sure the product is stored correctly by reading the packaging carefully for storage instructions
Be careful with prices
Always question unrealistic prices. If it seems too cheap or you have any doubts, request more information, including purchase documents.
Make informed choices
Digital tools like the CABI BioProtection Portal can give you information on registered products for a specified crop pest combination. You can also access information like registration number or other crops and pests on which the product is permitted. With these details, you can more easily verify if a product is genuine or fake.
How to deal with fake bioprotection products?
If you suspect you have purchased an illicit product, it is even more important to store and dispose of it properly and to contact the relevant authorities. Here are some safe practices you can follow:
Storage:
- Store them safely in their original containers in a cool, dry, and locked area, away from children and pets.
- Keep them away from food, water, and other household items.
Disposal:
- Identify local authorities/extension agents to get advice on proper disposal methods
- Do not dump them in a field or water stream.
- Do not bury or burn waste products or containers.
Keeping the growers and the environment safe
Bioprotection products offer many benefits for farmers, consumers, and the environment, but only if they’re regulated and authentic. These benefits are at risk if fake and poor-quality products continue to infiltrate the market.
That is why it is important for farmers, advisors, and suppliers to learn how to spot counterfeit products and use trusted resources like the CABI BioProtection Portal. By spreading awareness, we can protect crops, farmer incomes, and the environment.
