The costs of not having crop protection tools

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With inflation on the rise, we have all seen food costs go up, which is why Bayer’s Crop Science is now warning communities that the targeting of crop protection tools could lead to much higher food costs than we’re already experiencing.

A new study shows that if tools such as pesticides or herbicides were to become unavailable, then fresh fruit and vegetable prices would increase by approximately 35 to 45 percent.

Bayer’s Crop Science wants to begin the conversation about the role of agricultural tools and how much they help keep food affordable, especially with the holidays right around the corner.

Jess Christiansen, Head of Bayer’s Crop Science Communications says, “These tools are products that help farmers control weeds, insects, and diseases. Those are all things that can really impact how much of a crop that a farmer produces. So, when we say chemistry base, or biological based, their tools that really help a farmer grow more food.”

A local farmer has come out and said that these tools help make sure produce is not devoured by weeds, bugs, or other undesirable consumers.

Without them, a farm’s efficiency decreases, which leads to a lower supply and a high cost overall for the consumer.

Trey Deck, Chickamauga Georgia’s Mayor and owner of the Melon Patch Farms says, “You know, I can’t speak to the everyday gardener, but I can tell you that farmers, and when I say farmers, I mean guys in the thousands of acres, they’re going to tell you exactly what I told you. No spray, no food. You can’t eat a tree, you can’t eat at a new house, but you need a farmer. I think there’s a saying that says, every day of your life you need a farmer, and that’s the way I feel about it.”

Bayer’s Crop Science says it want to support farmers and agriculture workers, helping to ensure there is enough produced to provide to communities all over while choosing how they want to protect their crops in a health-approved way.

Deck adds, “I mean we would have nothing. You have to spray. Regardless of what you may believe in or what you may not believe in, you’ve got to spray. There’s too many inspects, there’s too many predators. There are too many things that can go wrong if you do not spray.”

Bayer’s Crop Science say that their dream is to help families cut their grocery bill in half and want to make that a reality for American families.

However, they say that can only happen if the crop protection tools remain in place.

“We can ban together and speak up, to ensure make sure we have safe, affordable nutritious food, for all of us. It’s a human right to have food. The more we can be empowered to do that, together, the better.”