AGRICULTURAL DYNAMICS AND STRATEGIES OF THE AGROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE CASES OF BRAZIL AND THAILAND

Abstract

This study attempts to provide elements of synthesis and information on various points; 1. there exists a direct relationship between the orientation of agricultural growth in the sense of agroexportation and agroenergy and the adoption-diffusion of a technical model of production based on the increasing consumption of inputs, especially chemical. 2. in the countries studied, agricultural priorities have brought about a great increase in the local consumption of pesticides and the implantation of productive capacities of formulation or of synthesis on the part of the giant international corporations in this sector. 3. These two agricultures are going to be affected by changes in international markets for products of agricultural origin which have occurred since the end of the 1970's. The economic contradictions created, favor the emergence of a growing local pesticide industry, very agressive commercially, which obliges the international agro-chemical industry to modify its strategy of development in the Third World. 4. How does it happen that the pesticide industry which benefited greatly from these agricultural options can now be at the point of overcoming the economic, social and ecological effects of the orientations underway in the two countries observed? We are very much in the middle of interrelations established between agriculture and industry with the support of the State in favor of internationalization of the agricultures.