Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
pesticides has been slowed by lower application rates due to the introduction of
more potent pesticides, more efficient use of pesticides, and lower farm com-
modity prices. USDA and EPA are working together with commodity groups
to develop plans to reduce use/risk of pesticides as part of a food safety initia-
tive.
The volume of pesticides used for non-agricultural purposes in the U.S.
also has been quite stable in recent years at about 275 million pounds of active
ingredient (a.i.). This equals about 1.1 pounds per capita in the U.S. (average
for 250 million people). Considering all usage, including agricultural, U.S.
pesticide usage equals somewhat more than 4 pounds per capita (4.2 pounds in
1993).
Table 1.3
shows that in the United States there are more than 120
manufacturers of pesticides, with only 20 accounting for the bulk of
production and sales. The manufacturers supply the pesticidal active
ingredients (not including carrier liquids, diluting agents and inert ingredients
found in formulations) to over 2,000 pesticide formulators who mix the active
and inactive ingredients to produce over 21,000 registered products. As of
1993, there were about 17,000 distributor-dealers of pesticides, approximately
40,000 pest control firms, almost a million certified private applicators
(individual growers), and over 350,000 certified commercial applicators. As of
1994, there was an estimated 17,500 licensed-certified agricultural pest control
advisors, of whom over 8,000 were self-employed independent consultants.
Table 1.3
U.S. Pesticide Production, Marketing and User Sectors; Profile of
Number of Units Involved, 1993/1994 Estimates (Approximate Values).
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
Basic Production
20
1. Major Basic Producers
100
2. Other Producers
860
3. Active Ingredients Registered
453
4. Active Ingredients with Food/Feed Tolerances
5. Chemical Cases for Re-registration
—Pre-FIFRA 1988
612
405
—Post-FIFRA 1988
6. New Active Ingredients Registered
—1992
11
20
—1993
6,000-10,000
7. Total Employment
7,300
8. Producing Establishments
Distribution and Marketing
1. Formulators
—Major national
150-200
—Other
2,000
