Counterfeits: When cheap is not hip

Have you heard the story about a group of farmers who thought they struck a bargain on their seeds and crop protection products? Well, they soon learned their products were fakes and big disappointments. And that’s a classic case of why cheap is not always hip.

When counterfeiters are allowed to sell inferior products with no stewardship commitments, the consequences are often serious problems with user safety, the environment and marketability of produce. Full product stewardship begins from the discovery of a potential product, continuing through research and development, distribution and use, storage, and ultimately, safe disposal of any generated waste. The plant science industry therefore supports the efforts of national governments to crack down on manufacturers of fake and illegal agricultural products. After all, counterfeiting hurts everyone – consumers, businesses and the national economy.

 

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