Could you summarize PROCCYT's role in the crop protection industry?

PROCCYT stands for Crop Protection, Science, and Technology. We are an association that represents 70% of the agricultural protection industry in Mexico. Our members include more than 85 companies dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and distributing crop protection products. We represent their interests in different ways. We focus on developing favorable public politics on the governmental and legislative side. We also represent and assist with the development and diffusion of technological development for the large crop protection sector. It can take up to 10 years to develop a single molecule, and there is a rigorous and extensive regulatory process. PROCCYT doesn't just represent the industry's political interests but also runs various social development programs to stay at the frontline of all the needs of the industry.

What programs does PROCCYT offer?

We carry out programs that demonstrate the development of the sector like our training program CuidAgro, through which we provide and help farmers on issues of good agricultural practices, protection of pollinators and proper disposal of empty pesticide containers. We bring together professionals from across the country and develop "good practices" for the industry, improving not just the technical side but education about usage and so on. Last year, we worked with 50,000 farmers across the country. Our programs help prevent toxic use. For example, "SINTOX”, toxicology information service, provides information with a specialized center that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to avoid toxic usage. We have another important program: “Campo Limpio”, through which the collection of empty pesticide containers is planned and implemented.

How important is technological innovation?

The incorporation of advanced technology is crucial in the development of improved crops. We utilize various advanced technologies within the different fungicides, insecticides, bactericides, and other products our members offer. Today in Mexico, we are also focused on improving our capacity to apply crop protection products and developing new and innovative tools for application.

What is PROCCYT doing to respond to illegal fertilizer use?

Unfortunately, the usage of illegal fertilizers has increased. We have conducted studies in conjunction with the National Citizen's Laboratory (ONC), which demonstrated that 15% of agricultural products sold utilized illegal fertilizers in the growth process. We are working to improve sanitary registrations. A significant element in this challenge is the increasing robberies of crop protection products. Ensuring the physical security of our products in transport is vital. Thefts constitute an important issue not just financially but because some of these products can be dangerous and must be transported securely. We are hoping for improved regulatory restrictions and security on the roads to improve the situation.

How does current government regulation impact the industry?

The industry constantly struggles with slow approvals and prohibitions from the government. With the new administration, we have had different people at the head of the regulatory system over the past few years, and the regulatory situation is always in flux. In the General Law of Health, one of the initiatives they speak of is a transition from agrochemicals to biological products. When the government classifies a product as "dangerous," the purpose of that classification is to direct more attention to ensuring its proper use. Such a classification is not a reason to prohibit the product entirely. It has been complicated to explain that "dangerous" doesn't necessarily represent a risk to public health and safety and often provides significant benefits.

What is your priority as an association for the coming year?

Much of our agenda for this year focuses on the regulatory agenda. Intelligent regulation in this country requires an understanding that not all products that can be risky are dangerous. PROCCYT's priority for this year is advancing a scientific approach to regulation. Many other countries use the products that this government is prohibiting safely. The reality is that this government prohibits products that don't necessarily represent a significant risk. These products offer major benefits to all of Mexico because they provide the country and the farmers with the ability to satisfy the demand for agricultural products. As an association, we will continue with our various social and technological programs, but our foremost priority for the year is to continue our work in the regulatory arena.