The falsification of agricultural products, like any alteration, is a delicate issue that the sector is facing since it exposes crops to damage due to poor quality, and therefore puts food production at risk.
This was stated by Mayra Correa, commercial manager of Agrollano, before the detection of distribution of products that circumvent original brands and of course they create a negative impact, hence the need to educate producers on the value of purchasing guaranteed products.
In this regard, Correa maintains that The cost of counterfeiting begins in the economic sphere because the savings calculated with a non-guaranteed product only generates a double investmenthaving to repair the damage caused to the land, lower productivity and partial or total loss of crops.
“Something that worries us is the quality due to the low or limited effectiveness of the product, and if the farmer does not know the origin of the product, he cannot demand a guarantee from the manufacturer,” he warned, adding to this the legal impact, because he could be buying without formal invoices and being left in legal weakness by having no place to complain for a product that has damaged their planting and harvest.
There is also an environmental impact, due to the possible damage to the earth and an impact on health, because without adequate protective equipment, the use of products can have consequences, and in the event of an adverse event the chemical composition is unknown and is much more difficult to reach a diagnosis and therefore treatment.
Faced with so many negative results from the acquisition and use of dubious or false products for agribusiness, Correa insists that it is vital that land workers be attentive, since the organizations that sell counterfeit products have a very well set up structure to simulate packaging, original brand labels and boxes. «A recommendation is to go to farm stores authorized to sell original products, which in the case of Agrollano, can be known because the containers and lids have characteristics specific to the manufacturing company, a particular nomenclature of the plant that produces the plastics, and the toxicological bands that identify the labels have a specific Pantone color.
Even if an agrochemical is imported from countries such as Colombia, Brazil or China, there are data to consider such as the manufacturer’s warranty, that the product is compatible with the conditions and characteristics of use and handling in our country, and taking into account that the Adverse abiotic factors vary by country, depending on the edaphoclimatic conditions of each region.
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Interview with Mayra Correa, Commercial Manager of Agrollano, on the Impact of Agricultural Product Falsification
Editor: Today we have Mayra Correa, Commercial Manager of Agrollano, to discuss a pressing issue in the agricultural sector: the falsification of agricultural products. Mayra, thank you for joining us.
Mayra Correa: Thank you for having me.
Editor: To start, can you explain how the falsification of agricultural products is impacting the sector as a whole?
Mayra Correa: Absolutely. The falsification of agricultural products is a delicate issue that poses significant risks to our crops. When farmers use these counterfeit products, they are exposed to poor quality and, as a result, their food production is at risk. We see a direct correlation between the authenticity of the products used and the overall health of our agricultural output.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of educating producers about guaranteed products. Why is this education crucial?
Mayra Correa: Education is essential because many producers may not be aware of the risks associated with using non-guaranteed products. By understanding the value of purchasing verified products, they can avoid the pitfalls of counterfeiting. Ultimately, the savings from opting for a cheaper, non-guaranteed product often lead to higher costs in the long run. This includes expenses related to repairing damaged land and experiencing lower productivity, which can result in partial or total loss of crops.
Editor: That sounds concerning. You highlighted the economic impact of falsification. Can you elaborate on that?
Mayra Correa: Certainly. The cost of counterfeiting primarily begins in the economic sphere. Farmers may believe they are saving money by purchasing cheaper products, but these savings are deceptive. When the products fail to perform as expected, the farmers end up spending significantly more to rectify the damage, resulting in a double investment that ultimately harms their livelihoods.
Editor: Beyond the economic impact, what are some other risks that farmers face with counterfeit products?
Mayra Correa: There are serious quality concerns. Counterfeit products often have low or limited effectiveness, which can jeopardize crop health. Additionally, if farmers don’t know the origin of the products they’re using, they cannot hold the manufacturer accountable for any failures. This lack of accountability can lead to a legal web that further complicates the producers’ situations.
Editor: It seems like a multifaceted issue! What steps can be taken to combat the distribution of these counterfeit products?
Mayra Correa: To combat this, we need a collective effort that includes education, better regulation, and enforcement against counterfeit distribution. Raising awareness among farmers about the importance of sourcing their products from trustworthy suppliers is essential. Furthermore, the government could play a key role in implementing stricter regulations and oversight to protect our agricultural sector.
Editor: Thank you, Mayra, for shedding light on this critical issue. Your insights are invaluable in understanding the ramifications of agricultural product falsification.
Mayra Correa: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital topic. It’s crucial that we prioritize the integrity of our agricultural products for the sake of our farmers and food security as a whole.
Pair their lands, and recover their losses. In essence, the initial savings from a counterfeit product can easily become a double loss when facing diminished productivity and crop failures.
Editor: You’ve emphasized that there are also legal and environmental implications. Can you shed some light on those aspects?
Mayra Correa: Yes, absolutely. Legally, if farmers purchase products without formal invoices, they are at a significant disadvantage if something goes wrong. They may have no recourse for complaints or claims against the manufacturer, leaving them vulnerable. Environmentally, counterfeit products can cause damage not only to the land but also pose health risks. Without adequate labeling and proper protective measures, farmers may be exposed to harmful substances, making it critical to ensure that they know the origin and safety of the products they are using.
Editor: What advice would you give to farmers to avoid being tricked by counterfeit products?
Mayra Correa: I would strongly advise farmers to purchase their products only from authorized distributors. In our case at Agrollano, we have specific identifiers on our packaging that differentiate our products from counterfeits, including certain nomenclatures and Pantone colors that are unique to our labels. Farmers should also be aware of the compatibility of the products with their local conditions, especially if they are imported from other countries. Verification of manufacturer warranties is crucial as well.
Editor: Thank you, Mayra, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that tackling the issue of agricultural product falsification is vital for the health of our food systems and the livelihood of farmers.
Mayra Correa: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope producers take the necessary steps to ensure they are using genuine, effective products.
