Dec 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The benefits of crop protection technology are far-reaching, extending beyond farms and grocery markets to the holiday parties and events with ornamental crops and flower displays. Growers of ornamental crops, which are valued at over $9 billion dollars in the United States, often are faced with the challenge of meeting high-quality standards to ensure that their products satisfy holiday customers. The member companies of CropLife America (CLA), which produce and distribute crop protection products, help keep these important crops pristine and contribute to the festive feeling of the holiday season.
The poinsettia, a classic symbol of the holiday season, is just one example of the many holiday plants which benefit greatly from crop protection technology. The whitefly is a persistent pest for poinsettias, yet the responsible use of insecticides for a poinsettia crop to treat an infestation can prevent a grower from experiencing a financial disaster due to a total loss of the crop. In addition, modern synthetic insecticides can be over 300% less expensive than some alternative pest control methods in treating whitefly infestations. Crop protection technology is again responsible for a more affordable and abundant product, even those which are put to a more decorative and festive use.
“With each holiday season, farmers and gardeners must work and produce the traditional plants which we are so accustomed to seeing,” said Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA. “Crop protection products are instrumental in helping them meet the consumers’ demand.”
As families purchase and decorate their homes with a variety of holiday plants, they can be assured that the safe, scientifically-tested crop protection products help create a festive holiday season.
