Update on the Global Crop Protectant Shortage
The economy has been plagued by supply issues since 2020, but the most recent concern in agriculture is the global supply shortage of crop protection products. This includes herbicides atrazine, 2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate. We are also starting to see shortages for fungicides and predict that insecticide supply issues are coming down the pipe.
There are multiple factors contributing to these supply issues. Not only is there a shortage of the products alone, but polyresin and cardboard scarcities are making it challenging to even package the products. As if that wasn’t enough, transportation issues are exacerbating the problem.
Container space is limited on ocean freight liners and ports are not running at full capacity due to labor issues. Once the product finally arrives and is unloaded at port, the supply chain issues continue with the truck driver shortage. Together, these elements add delays and increase the cost in getting these crop protection products where they need to go.
We are taking a proactive approach to managing our inventory, since ordered product does not arrive as quickly as it used to. To help us best serve you, communication is key. If you are needing product, please let us know sooner rather than later. As we navigate the months to come, we greatly appreciate your understanding as we work through these global crop protectant challenges.