Modern agriculture faces a critical challenge: how to feed a growing global
population while protecting the environment. A key part of the solution lies
in sustainable farming practices that responsibly incorporate pest control
tools and fertilizers. When used properly, these tools not only increase food
production, but they also help protect natural resources and promote long-
term environmental health.
Pest Control: Protecting Crops and Preserving Land
Pest control tools are essential to defending crops from invasive weeds,
destructive pests, and soilborne diseases that threaten our food supply.
These tools protect harvests, help reduce food waste, and minimize the
need to clear new land for farming, safeguarding forests and natural
habitats in the process. For example, the responsible use of pest control
methods has contributed to a dramatic rise in food production, such as the
increase in India’s grain output from 50 million tons in 1948 to nearly 200
million tons by the late 1990s:
“Similarly, outputs and productivity have increased dramatically in most
countries, for example, wheat yields in the United Kingdom, corn yields in
the USA. Increases in productivity have been due to several factors
including use of fertilizer, better varieties and use of machinery. Pesticides
have been an integral part of the process by reducing losses from weeds,
diseases and insect pests that can markedly reduce the amount of
harvestable produce.”
Fertilizers: Feeding Plants, Strengthening Soil
Fertilizers supply vital nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium,
that plants need to grow. When used as directed, fertilizers don’t degrade
the soil; they enrich it. They enhance microbial activity, strengthen plant
resilience, and increase food production. Thanks to advances in precision
agriculture, today’s farmers can apply fertilizers with pinpoint accuracy,
delivering the proper nutrients in the right amounts at the right time. This
reduces waste, prevents runoff, and protects water quality.
Sustainability Starts with Science
True sustainability means using the best available science to guide
decisions. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an example of how
modern agriculture utilizes a combination of biological, physical, cultural,
and chemical tools to control pests in a manner that protects beneficial
species and prevents the development of resistance. When combined with
proper fertilizer application and soil health practices, IPM helps ensure that
farms remain productive and environmentally sound for generations to
come.
The Path Forward with WPH
Feeding the world doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment.
By integrating innovative, science-based pest management and nutrient
strategies into sustainable farming systems, we can grow more food using
fewer resources. Western Plant Health and its members are committed to
this vision by supporting farmers with the tools and research needed to
strengthen both food security and environmental stewardship.
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