Canadian Pest Control Sales Increase

MONTREAL - Sep 21/04 - SNS -- Sales of pest control products increased in Canada in 2003, rising 3% to CDN $1.31 billion, according to the trade association, CropLife Canada.

The increase is mainly attributed to sales of insecticides in Western Canada to combat grasshopper infestations. Regional distribution of sales remained relatively steady. Sales in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada were 23% in 2003, while 77% of sales remained in Western Canada.

Herbicide sales accounted for 77% of total sales; fungicides represented 9%, insecticides 8% and specialty products 6%. While income from herbicide sales fell slightly from 2002, the total weight (kg) of herbicide active ingredient sold increased by 9%, reflecting a trend towards lower-cost products, rather than a decrease in sales volume.

Corn, soybean and pulse markets experienced an 18% decrease in herbicide sales, while sales in canola increased by 8% and chemfallow, including pre-seeding applications, increased by 65%.

Herbicide sales for non-agricultural uses - primarily forestry and vegetation management sectors - rose 16%.

Fungicide sales increased 8% compared to 2002, due to sales increases in field crop and horticultural crop fungicides, particularly in the fruit and vegetable market.

Insect pressure on cereals and canola drove insecticide sales up by 65%, reflecting a substantial 121% boost in field crop insecticides. Horticultural crop insecticide sales increased 14% from 2002 sales, attributed mainly to a 32% increase in insecticide sales within the potato market. Insecticides for non-agricultural uses increased 34% from 2002 sales.

Seed treatment sales increased by 3% in 2003, while specialty product sales showed a slight decrease (two%) from 2002.

Recyclable plastic container packaging sold in 2003 totaled 7.5 million, a 7% increase from 2002, and the total volume of product sold in returnable/bulk packages increased by 18%.