European agchem sales inched up in 2008

The European agrochemical market rose slightly in 2008, according to the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) director general, Dr Friedhelm Schmider. He presented estimates showing that sales were up by 1.7% to €7,200 million ($9,582 million at the current rate) at the annual general meeting of the Spanish agrochemical industry association, the AEPLA, last month. The figures account for the EU-27 and the four EFTA member states. Fungicide sales rose strongly north of the Alps, the AEPLA reports. It also notes that Dr Schmider pointed to rising pest infestations on oilseed rape in northern countries due to global warming. The changing climate reminds us that farming requires a wide range of tools to control pests, Dr Schmider reportedly commented. Several European crop protection associations are yet to publish surveys on 2008 sales.