Technology transfer in crop protection: the policy contest

Before technology transfer can take place, the crop protection technology must first be developed, usually by a commercial company. A second condition is that the market must be prepared to purchase the new technology. Thirdly, diffusion and communication links must be in place to facilitate interactions between producers and users. The influence of government policy on these processes is variable but never entirely absent. This paper looks at these policy influences from industry and farming perspectives and makes recommendations for improving the policy environment for the transfer of new technology with the potential to deliver environmentally cleaner and more productive farming systems.