Outlook of crop protection market development and the role of a CRO in it

It is not news that the crop protection market continues to face a growing number of challenges worldwide.
 

Off the back of a successful growth period, the sector is now facing turbulent times responding to challenges including pest management changes, globalisation and farming intensification, energy demands, merging of agrochemical industries and changes to pest management solutions. 
 

Competition too brings its own pressures and with any new product or active substance brought to market there are strict and rigid regulations the industry must meet, be it nationally or internationally. 
 

The sector is one the most heavily regulated. Furthermore, the regulation changes rapidly: more than ten New Guidance and Working Documents have been implemented during only one year! Therefore companies are having to supply more data to meet regulations, conduct more testing throughout different locations and more risk assessment analysis in a bid to remain competitive in today’s market. As an example we can consider the case of some chemicals, the endocrine disruptors. Since several years, in the EU and worldwide, endocrine disruptors, are a growing concern due to possible negative human health and environmental impacts but no clear rules was applicable for cut-off criteria. In June 2016, the European Commission has presented scientific criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors and for allowing science-based regulatory decision-making which could imply new tests and new decisions (disapproval) for existing active substances. But the road is not finished: these criteria are now subjects to legislation under the form of two draft legal acts which will be examined and approved by European Parliament and the Council before a real regulatory use.
 

All these challenges are set within a global economy that continues to gain momentum, placing even more pressure on the crop protection market to maintain its efficiency, grow competency and deliver new solutions in a timely, cost-effective manner. 
 

To help manage and navigate these issues a crop protection contract research organisation (CRO) has become integral to business operations. CROs work alongside businesses to help ensure quality control while providing sustainable and productive solutions to the agricultural industry. The organisation’s role is to provide knowledge and experience in managing project, trials, offering a suite of services including early research, evaluation projects, registration of dossiers and commercial platforms. 
 

By using a CRO, businesses have access to specific expertise without having to hire permanent staff.  It can allow a them to focus on other matters, knowing that their products are in the best hands. CROs can free up a company’s time and resources, provide additional support, and work with the sponsor’s team offering expert advice on particular needs while tapping into a worldwide network. They are the experts who are dedicated to ensuring plant protection products meet market needs, on time and on budget.
 

As an independent CRO company, Staphyt offers an objective assessment of plant protection products. Established in 1989, the company has grown to become a global leader in agronomic research and regulatory advice throughout Europe.

To be in line with global demands  Staphyt expanded in 2016 into Australasia with plans to broaden its presence in North and South America.
 

Staphyt works closely with clients, understanding their needs and helping to provide tailored solutions every step of the way - from research and development to registration and sales. These services include regulatory and consultancy and biological studies, GLP studies, ecotoxicology studies as well as laboratory and seeds parts.
 

The company has also specialised in several fields including biological product development where it was the first contract CRO to provide a dedicated service for biologicals. On the other hand, in Europe, it is also a leading service provider of seeds services, with a large field capabilities for sowing, planting and harvesting all type of crops.
 

At Staphyt, the team works side by  side with agrochemical companies providing solutions to help keep the plant protection sector growing, while increasing efficiency and competitiveness within the industry.  
 

CROs are the vital link between companies and the agriculture industry, helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges the sector faces while protecting and ensuring a sustainable and productive future.

Please download AgroPages' latest magazine - 2017 CROs Supplement to see more.