Highly toxic pesticides are set to be phased out—how should pesticide companies adapt and grow in this new landscape?

　　“Our country will impose restrictions on highly toxic…” Pesticide “Implement stricter control measures.” On August 9, in China Pesticide At the second executive council meeting of the third term of the Development and Application Association, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs… Pesticide According to Ji Ying, the chief agronomist of the Testing Institute, feasibility studies for aldicarb, phorate, and isoprothiolane have been completed, with plans to ban their use domestically; public consultation will be launched shortly. In addition, phase-out plans for methyl isofenphos, temephos, omethoate, and aluminum phosphide have been initiated, and validation trials are being conducted to assess the viability of alternative solutions for controlling soil-borne pests and nematodes.
　　Highly toxic Pesticide On the verge of being phased out, under the new circumstances Pesticide How should enterprises develop?
　　Eliminate highly toxic substances within five years. Pesticide
　　Promote the registration of pesticides for minor crops.
　　It is understood that, in order to reduce highly toxic… Pesticide Since the 1980s, China has phased out 43 highly toxic and high-risk substances, including BHC, DDT, and methamidophos. Pesticide Currently, highly toxic pesticides that are registered and remain valid in agricultural use… Pesticide There are 10 types, which will also be phased out within five years, in accordance with the principles of “gradual progression, step-by-step implementation, and a multi-pronged approach.”
　　Ji Ying explained that, in response to these highly toxic substances… Pesticide Stricter control measures will be implemented. To date, feasibility studies for aldicarb, phorate, and isocarbophos have been completed, with plans to ban their use domestically; public consultation will be launched shortly. Work has also begun on phase-out plans for methyl isofenphos, monocrotophos, omethoate, and aluminum phosphide. In addition, validation trials are being organized to assess the feasibility of alternative solutions for underground pests and nematodes.
　　 Pesticide A re‑evaluation system has also been launched, with a focus on conducting periodic assessments of varieties that have been registered for more than 15 years, and on reviewing older registrations that have exceeded this threshold. Pesticide With respect to varieties, a tiered and phased re‑evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the principle of limited risk, aiming to achieve full coverage of all other registered varieties that have been on the market for more than 15 years within five years.
　　The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will continue to advance the registration of pesticides for minor crops. Over the past few years, China has approved the registration of a total of specialty minor crops. Pesticide “With more than 1,000 products available, the issue of having no approved pesticides for specialty minor crops such as ginseng, bayberry, and notoginseng has been somewhat alleviated,” said Ji Ying.
　　Targeting Pesticide Some issues identified during the registration process will be gradually addressed by refining the relevant requirements. It is understood that, at present, the… Pesticide The “Registration and Review Detailed Rules” have been completed; “ Pesticide The “Regulations on the Identification of Identical Products” are being refined; in addition, the “… ” has been formulated. Pesticide The “List of Prohibited and Restricted Additives” will be released shortly after soliciting public comments; approval measures are being introduced. Pesticide When registering, relevant provisions regarding the announcement of product quality standards and inspection and testing methods shall be stipulated, clearly defining the procedures, specific items to be announced, and the content thereof; and regulations shall be formulated for use exclusively outside China. Pesticide Manage temporary measures; organize the drafting of “For Overseas Use Only” Pesticide The “Procedures for Issuing Release Notices” clearly stipulate overseas use. Pesticide The scope, data requirements, and review procedures.
　　Highly toxic Pesticide New registrations are zero.
　　All temporary registrations have been fully withdrawn.
　　“Our country” Pesticide “Product registration is currently showing a trend of ‘two increases and one decrease, with three areas experiencing growth,’” Ji Ying explained. “Looking at the changes over the past five years,…” Pesticide The total number of registered products and the number of formally registered products are both showing a gradual upward trend. “Affected by the new…” Pesticide Under the Regulations, policies such as the abolition of temporary registration and the relaxation of restrictions on commissioned repackaging led to a sharp decline in the number of temporary registrations and repackaging registrations in 2017, with all such registrations having been phased out by the end of May 2018.
　　Among the 3,885 newly registered products in 2017, herbicides and fungicides saw relatively rapid growth, while the number of insecticides declined. Suspension concentrates accounted for 27.9% of formulated products, followed by aqueous solutions, water-dispersible granules, wettable powders, and oil‑dispersible suspension concentrates.
　　Statistical data show that, as of 2017, the number of valid… Pesticide A total of 38,247 products have been registered, compared with 30,000 in 2013. Pesticide The number of registered products has grown at an average annual rate of over 2,100. Over the past five years, insecticides have declined year by year before stabilizing, fungicides have risen steadily before reversing course, and herbicides have shown a sustained upward trend in the last three years.
　　 Pesticide The number of product registrations is substantial, but the accompanying issue of product homogenization is also quite pronounced. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that among the newly registered… Pesticide No new registrations have been filed for highly toxic or acutely toxic products; highly toxic. Pesticide Usage is gradually declining, environmentally friendly formulations are on the rise, products for minor crops are expanding, and companies’ innovation capabilities continue to strengthen.
　　Green Development and Scientific Innovation
　　Enterprises must also go global.
　　Environmental pressure is high, Pesticide Reducing volume while improving efficiency, coupled with intensifying industry competition, are both putting pressure on the domestic… Pesticide The growth of enterprises poses significant challenges. Under the new circumstances, how should businesses evolve?
　　Professor Chen Zhuo of Guizhou University pointed out that shifting from traditional imitation to independent innovation is the path our country should take. Pesticide It is an indispensable path for the industry to enhance its competitiveness. Enterprises must transform their industrial development models, adjust their industrial structures, and increase investment in independent research and development. By fostering collaborative innovation with universities, research institutions, government agencies, and industry associations, they can achieve… Pesticide The scope of proprietary products.
　　“The Belt and Road Initiative serves as a platform for the international expansion of agriculture,” said Sun Zhao, Deputy Director of the International Division at the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center. He noted that in the past, enterprises operating independently often struggled to find room for growth in developing countries and other underdeveloped regions; however, by leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative, companies can more effectively expand overseas.
　　“Because products from these countries face significant barriers to international markets, despite their vast land resources, development remains limited, and agricultural production is largely confined to meeting domestic needs. However, with the Belt and Road Initiative, trade among nations has intensified, local demand for agricultural inputs has surged, and the agro‑chemical market has naturally expanded,” analyzes Sun Zhao. He adds that while the Belt and Road offers substantial opportunities for business growth, certain challenges still warrant attention: companies expanding overseas should not focus solely on selling individual products, but rather address broader industry‑wide issues, thereby ensuring sustainable development in the host markets.
　　China Pesticide Liu Yongquan, President of the Association for Development and Application, pointed out at the conference that, Pesticide As the industry enters a new era, we must face challenges with courage, take responsibility boldly, and stand the test of time; with regard to… Pesticide The evolving landscape presents new challenges; we must approach them with prudence and pursue development through wisdom. At present, reform has entered a new phase—let us align with the prevailing trends and lead the industry’s advancement.
　　It is reported that China Pesticide The Third Session, Second Executive Council Meeting of the Development and Application Association was chaired by China. Pesticide The event was hosted by the Development and Application Association, with co-sponsorship from the Wuhai Municipal Bureau of Commerce and the People’s Government of Wuda District. During the conference, applications from eight member organizations and three directorate units were reviewed and approved, along with the report presented by Secretary-General Hua Rongjun titled “China…” Pesticide In the “Work Report of the Second Executive Council Meeting of the Third Term of the Development and Application Association,” participating delegates put forward constructive suggestions and recommendations on the association’s work and the industry’s development.

Source: Nongcai.com Agrochemical Compendium