The Economics of Pesticides and Pest Control

Abstract

Pesticides have been a major contributor to the growth of agricultural productivity and food supply. Yet, they are a source of concern because of human and environmental health side effects. This paper presents methodologies for assessing the productivity and health effects of pesticides. It also provides an overview of some of the major empirical findings. This paper covers major research that analyzes alternative approaches to address issues of resistance buildup, risk and environmental and human health, predator-prey relationships, as well as dynamic considerations. The paper summarizes existing policies that vary from the prescribed social optimum suggested by economic theory to those motivated by political-economy factors and risk aversion. Analysis is provided to relate pesticide policies to the larger context of agricultural and environmental management. This paper also presents recent modeling of invasive species and agricultural biotechnology.

Pesticides Usage in the Soil Quality Degradation Potential in Wanasari Subdistrict, Brebes, Indonesia

“…It is assumed that in 2050 the use of pesticides will be 2.7 times greater than in 2000. This will cause humans and the environment to be in a dangerous condition [14,15]. There were many references about the impact of pesticides on soil and water environment.…”

Agricultural landscape simplification does not consistently drive insecticide use

“…With increased risk of pest outbreaks comes enhanced pesticide use. Although other aspects of intensive farming also have negative externalities, such as synthetic fertilizers and eutrophication, pesticides have received some of the most widespread scrutiny and their reduction (or at least efficient use) has become a priority for policy makers, as evidenced by integrated pest management (9). The emphasis on pesticide use stems from serious human health concerns related to pesticide exposure in farm workers (3,10,11), pesticide residues in food and water sources (9,12), and bioaccumulation of pesticides in higher trophic levels (13).…”

New pesticides regulation: potential economic impacts of the withdrawal of Pendimethalin in horticultural crops

“…We have not considered potential dynamic adjustments, but they would eventually rise. Pesticide economics literature shows that, when assessing pesticides bans, we must take into account not only current technology but also incentives and capacity to innovate as this can mitigate in the long run the ban's impact (Sexton et al, 2007).…”

“…Some producers can experience significant losses due to the substantial reduction on gross margins and other producers may benef it from the price increase (Lichtenberg et al, 1988;Zilberman et al, 1991;Ferguson et al, 1992;Knutson, 1999;Lynch et al, 2005;Sexton et al, 2007). Wynn (2010) evaluates the impacts of the new European approvals regulation -EC Regulation 1107/2009 -on horticultural crops in the UK, among which lettuce is included.…”