Outlook for the Food Safety Pest Management Industry
February 2025 Edition:
Outlook for the Food Safety Pest Management Industry.
By: Jeff Waggoner, ACE
I feel the need to describe what I call the Food Safety Pest Management Industry. It’s not just about food, but it’s about helping protect a delicate process. One that begins with a single seed yet holds the promise of a bountiful harvest. Post-harvest is where the real fun begins. It’s a cat and mouse game from there. We work diligently to ensure pests don’t turn potential profits into guaranteed losses. The expectation is high and the risk of a brand damaging event is even higher with pests literally lurking in the shadows.
This time of the year is most challenging for pest management companies in the US. At least those not located in the far South. We await the activity that spring brings. When the insect engine begins to purr once again. So, while I look outside and wait for the remaining snow to melt, I’m reminded its only February. On the other hand, the forecast has some 60 degree days ahead. Won’t be long now I think to myself. Now focus! Lots to be done before things “heat up”!
What are we preparing for exactly? What does the market look like? What will our program need to look like to stay ahead of regulatory, environmental and the competition? Well, let’s look at 5 major factors that I believe will impact the Food Safety Pest Management industry. We are certainly poised for significant growth and transformation over the next few years.
1. Increasing Regulatory Standards: Governments worldwide are tightening regulations to ensure food safety and quality. This trend is driving demand for more sophisticated pest management solutions. Companies in the Food Safety Pest Management industry will need to stay ahead of these regulations by adopting advanced technologies and practices to meet compliance requirements from State and Federal USDA, EPA and FDA.
2. Technological Advancements: The integration of technology in pest management is revolutionizing the industry. Innovations such as remote monitoring systems, automated traps, and AI data analytics are becoming more prevalent. These technologies enable more efficient and effective pest control, reducing the reliance on chemical treatments and enhancing sustainability and integration with food safety systems. Traceability and transparency, driven by an industry demand to ensure quality products, will force pest management to engage with and invest more in integrated technologies as well as improve the communication between systems.
3. Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: There is a growing emphasis on sustainable and more environmentally friendly pest management practices. Consumers and businesses alike are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of outdated pest control methods. This shift is leading to the development and adoption of eco-friendly solutions. Advancements in equipment and structural design, implementation of DynamicIPM® strategies, a reduction of pesticide usage or deployment of more environmentally friendly pesticides that reduce exposure to products, the environment, consumers and applicators will have a cumulative positive effect on the sustainability of pest management in the food industry.
4. Globalization and Supply Chain Complexity: The globalization of the food supply chain adds complexity to pest management. Pests can easily spread across borders, necessitating coordinated efforts and international collaboration. Pest management professionals will need to navigate these challenges by implementing comprehensive and adaptable strategies. Import and Export treatments will have to aggressively consider alternatives to fumigants like methyl bromide to comply with phytosanitary treatment protocols designed to safeguard unique eco-systems and indigenous pests from invaders.
5. Rising Demand for Food Safety: With the global population continuing to grow and diets becoming more robust, the demand for safe and high-quality food is increasing. Social media has dramatically increased the risk of a brand-damaging quality issue related to a product. The ability to share images and video of infested product to millions of people and go viral is a threat that must be managed. These demands place additional pressure on the pest management industry to ensure that food products are free from contamination from field to table. Dynamic pest control measures will be critical in maintaining food safety standards. Technology, improved training and education programs will focus more on GMP and potential threats to facilities, the people in them and the products they make.
Conclusion: The pest management industry in the food, grain, seed, pet food, milling and other related sectors is set for dynamic changes driven by regulatory, technological, and environmental factors. Companies that embrace innovation and sustainability will be well-positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape. By staying proactive and adaptive, pest management professionals can effectively address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.