Pesticides Industry 

Sales and Usage 

1998 and 1999

Market Estimates


Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates

By 

David Donaldson, 

Timothy Kiely, and 

Arthur Grube, Ph.D. 

Biological and Economic Analysis Division 

Office of Pesticide Programs 

Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Washington, DC 20460 

August 2002 
Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments 

For the first time, the report has been completed by someone other than Arnold Aspelin. His knowledge and experience cannot be replaced; however, he left behind an outstanding collection of pesticide sales and usage data, 

industry contacts, and report methodologies, so that the report could continue where he left off. 

The authors of this report would also like to acknowledge the valuable assistance provided by the following 

reviewers: 

• Allen Jennings, United States Department of Agriculture; 

• Merritt Padgitt, United States Department of Agriculture; 

• Chuck Benbrook, Benbrook Consulting Services; 

• Susan Kegley, Pesticide Action Network, North America; 

• Ada Scott, California Department of Pesticide Regulation; 

• John Wilkin, Greg Malcom, and Jenne Ahlgrim, Doane Marketing Research, Inc.; 

• Dennis Fugate, Kline & Co., Inc.; 

• Leonard Gianessi, National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy; 

• Lawrence Norton, CropLife America; 

• Norman Bennett, United States Department of Agriculture; and 

• EPA reviewers David Widawsky and Jonathan Becker. 

Page i—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
Contents 

Sections 

1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................Page 1

2. 1998 and 1999 Sales.................................................................................................................................................. Page 4

2.1 World and U.S. Pesticide Expenditures................................................................................................................. Page 4

2.2 Value of U.S. Pesticides: Producers.......................................................................................................................Page 5

2.3 U.S. Pesticide Expenditures: Users........................................................................................................................Page 6

2.4 U.S. Pesticide and Farm Expenditures...................................................................................................................Page 7

3. 1998 and 1999 Usage................................................................................................................................................. Page 8

3.1 World and U.S. Pesticide Amount Used................................................................................................................Page 8

3.2 U.S. Pesticide Supply: Producer Level.................................................................................................................. Page 9

3.3 U.S. Pesticide Amount Used: Total....................................................................................................................... Page 10

3.4 U.S. Pesticide Amount Used: Conventional...................................................................................................... Page 12

3.5 Share of U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient Used in the

Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Market Sectors............................................................................................ Page 13

3.6 Most Commonly Used U.S. Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients 

in the Agricultural Market Sector.......................................................................................................................... Page 14

3.7 Most Commonly Used U.S. Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients 

in the Non-Agricultural Sectors.......................................................................................................................... Page 15

3.8 U.S. Organophosphate Insecticides Amount Used ............................................................................................... Page 16

3.9 U.S. Pesticide Amount Used: Other.......................................................................................................................Page 18

3.10 U.S. Pesticide Amount Used: Specialty Biocides and Chlorine/Hypochlorites.............................................. Page 19

4. Producers and Users.............................................................................................................................................. Page 20

4.1 Pesticide Producers and Users................................................................................................................................Page 20

5. Historical Data............................................................................................................................................... Page 21

5.1 Annual U.S. Expenditures on Pesticides: 1980 — 1999................................................................................. Page 21

5.2 Annual Amount of Pesticides Used: 1980 — 1999.......................................................................................Page 26

6. Glossary.......................................................................................................................................................................Page 32

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page ii 
Contents 

Tables 

1. Introduction

 Table 1.1 Key to Layout Changes in the 1998 and 1999 Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report................ Page 3 

2. 1998 and 1999 Sales

 Table 2.1 World and U.S. Pesticide Expenditures: User Level 

by Pesticide Type, 1998 and 1999 Estimates............................................................................ Page 4

 Table 2.2 Value of U.S. Pesticide Production, Imports, Exports, and Supply of Pesticides at Producer Level......Page 5

 Table 2.3 U.S. User Expenditures for Pesticides 

by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1998 and 1999 Estimates...................................................Page 6

 Table 2.4 U.S. Farm Production Expenditures (Billions $).......................................................................Page 7 

3. 1998 and 1999 Usage

 Table 3.1 World and U.S. Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient (A.I.) at User Level 

by Pesticide Type, 1998 and 1999 Estimates............................................................................ Page 8

 Table 3.2 U.S. Pesticide Production, Imports, Exports, and Supply of Pesticides in Pounds Produced 

at the Producer Level...................................................................................................Page 9

 Table 3.3 Amount of U.S. Pesticide Usage 

by Pesticide Group, 1998 and 1999 Estimates.......................................................................... Page 10

 Table 3.4 U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient 

by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1998 and 1999 Estimates.................................................. Page 12

 Table 3.5 Share of U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient 

Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Market Sector Shares, 1998 and 1999.......................................Page 13

 Table 3.6 Most Commonly Used Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients 

Agricultural Market Sector, 1999, 1997, 1993, and 1987 Estimates...............................................Page 14

 Table 3.7a Most Commonly Used Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients 

Home and Garden Market Sector, 1999 and 1997 .................................................................. Page 15

 Table 3.7b Most Commonly Used Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients 

Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector, 1999 and 1997 .............................................. Page 15

 Table 3.8a U.S. Pounds of Organophosphate Insecticide Active Ingredients, All Market Sectors, 1980 – 1999..... Page 16 

Table 3.8b Most Commonly Used Organophosphate Insecticide Active Ingredients, 

All Market Sectors, 1999 Estimates................................................................................. Page 17

 Table 3.9 U.S. Pounds of Other Pesticides by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1998 and 1999 Estimates....... Page 18

 Table 3.10a U.S. Pounds of Specialty Biocides by End Use Market, 1998 and 1999 Estimates.......................... Page 19

 Table 3.10b U.S. Pounds of Chlorine/Hypochlorites by End Use Market, 1998 and 1999 Estimates.................... Page 19

Page iii—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
Contents 

Tables (Continued) 

4. Producers and Users

 Table 4.1a The Number of Pesticide Producers, Formulators, and Distributors...........................................Page 20

 Table 4.1b Land in Farms, Farm Acres Harvested, the Number of Farms, 

and the Number of Farms Using Pesticides....................................................................... Page 20

 Table 4.1c The Number of Commercial Pest Control Firms and Number of Certified Applicators.................... Page 20

 Table 4.1d The Number of Households Using Pesticides..................................................................... Page 20

Section 5. Historical Data

 Table 5.1a U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, All Market Sectors...................................................................Page 22

 Table 5.1b U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, 

by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, Agricultural Market Sector........................................................Page 23

 Table 5.1c U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, 

by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector........................... Page 24

 Table 5.1d U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, Home and Garden Market Sector................................................. Page 25

 Table 5.2a U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, 

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, All Market Sectors.................................................................... Page 27

 Table 5.2b U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Agricultural Market Sector......................................................... Page 28

 Table 5.2c U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, 

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector...........................Page 29

 Table 5.2d U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Home and Garden Market Sector................................................ Page 30

 Table 5.3 U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient, 

Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Market Sector Shares, 1964 – 1999...........................................Page 31

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page iv 
Contents 

Figures 

2. 1998 and 1999 Sales

 Figure 2.1 World and U.S. Comparison of Pesticide Expenditures: User Level 

by Pesticide Type, 1999 Estimates................................................................................ Page 5

 Figure 2.2 U.S. User Expenditures for Pesticides 

by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1999 Estimates......................................................... Page 7

3. 1998 and 1999 Usage

 Figure 3.1 Comparison of World and U.S. Pesticide Pounds of Active Ingredient at User Level 

by Pesticide Type, 1999 Estimates................................................................................ Page 9

 Figure 3.2 Amount of U.S. Pesticide Usage by Pesticide Group, 1999 Estimates....................................... Page 11

 Figure 3.3 U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient 

by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1999 Estimates......................................................... Page 13

 Figure 3.4 Total U.S. Pounds of Insecticide Active Ingredients for Organophosphate

and All Other Insecticides, All Market Sectors, 1980 – 1999................................................. Page 17

Section 5. Historical Data

 Figure 5.1a U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, 

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, All Market Sectors........................................................... Page 22

 Figure 5.1b U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, 

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Agricultural Market Sector..................................................Page 23

 Figure 5.1c U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector........................Page 24

 Figure 5.1d U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, 

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Home and Garden Market Sector...........................................Page 25

 Figure 5.2a U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, All Market Sectors........................................................... Page 27

 Figure 5.2b U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Agricultural Market Sector..................................................Page 28

 Figure 5.2c U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector........................Page 29

 Figure 5.2d U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient,

by Pesticide Type, 1980 – 1999, Home and Garden Market Sector...........................................Page 30

Page v—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
1. Introduction 

1. Introduction 

Purpose of Report 

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, 

and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), EPA, in cooperation with the states and other agencies, such as the Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is responsible for regulating the 

production and use of pesticides in the United States. This report provides contemporary and historical 

economic information on the U.S. pesticide producing and using sectors covered by these state and federal 

regulatory programs. Economic profile information covers a variety of topics, particularly the pesticide market 

with respect to dollar values and quantities of active ingredient. The EPA Pesticide Program has issued such 

market reports since 1979. 

This report is intended only to present objective economic profile and trend information reflecting the 

best available information on pesticide sales and usage. It does not attempt to interpret, reach conclusions about, 

or make inferences about the data. Detailed analysis of causal factors or implications, such as potential impacts 

on human health, the environment, or the economy, falls beyond the scope of this project. 

We caution the reader not to infer too much from changes in the amount of pesticides used from year to 

year. Changes in the amount of pesticides used are not necessarily correlated to changes in the level of pest 

control or changes in the human health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use. 

Data Sources 

Neither EPA nor any other agency has a program devoted specifically to estimating the overall pesticide 

market in terms of dollars spent and quantity of active ingredient used on an annual basis. This report uses the 

best available information from the public domain and proprietary sources. The numbers in the report represent 

approximate values rather than precise values with known statistical properties. 

The Agency has a wide variety of public and proprietary information upon which to base estimates of 

pesticide sales and usage. The Pesticide Data Center in the Biological and Economic Analysis Division (BEAD) 

of EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) maintains extensive files and library materials. These materials 

cover different pesticide types and groupings in the agricultural market sector, which account for a majority of 

the use of conventional pesticides, and in non-agricultural market sectors. The Agency uses three national 

database services for the agricultural sector, including those from the USDA and a number of more specific data 

sources. Similar data sources cover the non-agricultural sector. EPA also uses proprietary data sources, with 

vendor permission, to estimate agricultural and non-agricultural market sectors. These proprietary data sources, 

produced by well-known organizations, also serve pesticide registrants and other private sector firms analyzing 

the U.S. pesticide market. 

Overview of Contents/Scope of Report 

This report profiles the U.S. pesticide industry for the years 1998 and 1999. Data, estimated using 

several different parameters (e.g., pesticide type, pesticide group, market sector), appear in table format. The 

scope of the report is largely inclusive of the U.S. pesticide industry and includes data on expenditures, volume, 

imports, exports, firms, individuals involved in production and use of pesticides, number of pesticides, and 

number of certified applicators, among other topics. The report includes graphic representations of the data 

where useful. 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 1 
1. Introduction 

Although most of the information covers the years 1998 and 1999, this report also includes an historical 

section. This section contains re-estimated values for the amount of insecticides used and dollar expenditures on 

insecticides and, therefore, total pesticide amount used and expenditures for each market sector dating back to 

1980. The Agency made revisions to each market sector based on a reexamination of the data available. Care 

should be taken to use the new values for 1997 and earlier years, rather than values published in prior editions of 

the report. 

Following this Introduction (Section 1), Section 2 summarizes U.S. and world pesticide user 

expenditures in 1998 and 1999, and Section 3 summarizes U.S. and world pesticide amount used in 1998 and 

1999. Section 4 presents background information on pesticide market sectors. Finally, Section 5 presents 

historical data summarizing pesticide expenditures and amount used estimates since 1980. 

Changes Since Last Report 

This report includes significant changes in format from previously published EPA Pesticide Industry 

Sales and Usage reports. The majority of the information contained in the report is the same, but with 

reformatted content and additional pieces of information. Format changes include:

 • brief discussions of tabular information appear throughout the document, replacing the Table Highlights 

section; 

• the current year (1998 and 1999) pesticide expenditures and amount applied estimates are separated into 

two distinct sections; 

• the historical data (pesticide sales, amount, and registration activities) appear in a separate section at the 

end of the document; and 

• information from Table 7, which contained miscellaneous background information on the pesticide 

market sectors and pesticide registration and reregistration in previous reports, is distributed throughout 

the document and presented with other relevant data. 

See Table 1.1 for links between data in the 1996 and 1997 and the 1998 and 1999 Pesticide Industry Sales and 

Usage reports. This year’s publication includes Table 1.1 to assist report users in finding table data in the 

reorganized publication. 

In addition to 1998 and 1999 updates to the sales and usage data, this report contains a discussion of the 

current and historical amount of organophosphate insecticides used. The Agency chose organophosphate 

insecticides because they have been the focus of recent pesticide reregistration activities. This addition marks 

the first time the report has included class-specific pesticide information. We hope to include additional 

information specific to class or type of pesticide in future reports. 

The writing of the 2000/2001 pesticide industry sales and usage report is scheduled to begin once all of 

the supporting pesticide sales and usage data for 2001 are published (fall of 2002). If you have questions 

regarding this report or need further information, please contact the authors at the following address:

 Biological and Economic Analysis Division/Office of Pesticide Programs

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

 Ariel Rios Building

 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

 Washington, DC 20460

or by e-mail (telephone): kiely.timothy@epa.gov (703-308-8112), and grube.arthur@epa.gov (703-308-8095). 

Page 2—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
1. Introduction 

Table 1.1 

Key to Layout Changes in the 1998 and 1999 Pesticide Industry Sales and Usage Report 

Old Tables Old Table Titles New Tables 

Table 1. U.S. and World Pesticide Sales at User Level, 1997 Estimates (and 

corresponding charts) 

Table 2.1 and Table 

3.1 

Table 2. User Expenditures for Pesticides in the U.S. by Class and Sector, 

1996/1997 Estimates (and corresponding chart) 

Table 2.3 

Table 3. Volume of Pesticide Active Ingredient Used in U.S. by Type, Class, and 

Sector, 1996/1997 Estimates (and corresponding chart) 

Table 3.4 and Table 

3.9 

Table 4. U.S. Usage of Conventional and Other Types of Pesticides, 1996/1997 

Estimates 

Table 3.3, Table 3.10a, 

and Table 3.10b 

Table 5. Importance of Pesticide Expenditures to U.S. Farmers, 1995-1997 Estimates Table 2.4 

Table 6. U.S. Production, Imports, Exports, and Net Supply of Pesticides at Producer 

Level, 1996/1997 Estimates (and corresponding chart) 

Table 2.2 and Table 

3.2 

Table 7. U.S. Pesticide Production, Marketing and User Sectors; Profile of Numbers 

of Units Involved, 1996/1997 Estimates 

Table 4.1a through 

Table 4.1d 

Table 8. Quantities of Most Commonly Used Conventional Pesticides in U.S. 

Agricultural Crop Production 

Table 3.6 

Table 9. Quantities of Pesticides Most Commonly Used in Non-Agricultural Sectors 

of U.S. 

Table 3.7a and Table 

3.7b 

Table 10. U.S. Conventional Pesticide Usage, Total and Estimated Agricultural Sector 

Share, 1964-1997 (and corresponding charts) 

Table 5.9 

Table 11a. Number of Active Ingredients Registered for First Time as Pesticides Under 

FIFRA, by Type, 1967-1997 (and corresponding chart) 

No equivalent table 

Table 11b. Number of Active Ingredients Registered for First Time as Pesticides Under 

FIFRA, by Classification: Safer (Reduced-Risk) or Other Pesticides, 1990­

1997 

No equivalent table 

Table 12. Number of Certified Applicators in the U.S., 1997 (October 30) (and 

corresponding charts) 

Table 4.1c 

Table 13. U.S. Annual Volume of Pesticide Usage, by Type, All Economic Sectors 

Combined, 1979-1997 (and corresponding chart) 

Table 5.5 

Table 14. U.S. Annual Volume of Pesticide Usage, by Sector and Type, 1979-1997 

(and corresponding charts) 

Table 5.6 through 

Table 5.8 

Table 15. U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Type, All Economic Sectors Combined, 1979-1997 (and corresponding chart) Table 5.1 

Table 16. U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Sector and Type, 1979­

1997 (and corresponding charts) 

Table 5.2 through 

Table 5.4 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 3 
2. 1998 and 1999 Sales 

2.1 World and U.S. Pesticide Expenditures 

World pesticide expenditures totaled more than $33.5 billion in 1998 and 1999 (see Table 2.1). 

Expenditures on herbicides accounted for the largest proportion of total expenditures (more than 40%), followed 

by expenditures on insecticides, fungicides, and other pesticides, respectively. Total expenditures were up 

slightly in 1999 due to increased spending on insecticides, fungicides, and other pesticides. 

U.S. pesticide expenditures totaled more than $11 billion in 1998 and 1999, in proportions similar to 

that for world expenditures, with a relatively larger proportion of total U.S. expenditures on herbicides (see 

Figure 2.1). U.S. expenditures accounted for approximately 33% of total world expenditures on pesticides, more 

than 40% of world expenditures on herbicides, 33% of world expenditures on insecticides, and more than 10% 

and 25% of world expenditures on fungicides and other pesticides, respectively.2 The Agency based its estimates of world and U.S. pesticide expenditures on the estimated pesticide expenditures and estimated changes in 

pesticide expenditures by type derived from public and proprietary EPA databases. See Section 2.3 for a more 

detailed look at U.S. expenditures on pesticides in 1998 and 1999. 

Table 2.1 

World and U.S. Pesticide Expenditures 

User Level by Pesticide Type, 1998 and 1999 Estimates 

Year World Market U.S. Market U.S. Percent of 

Type Mil $ % Mil $ % World Market

1998 

Herbicides1 15,342 46 6,853 60 45 

Insecticides 8,906 27 2,872 25 32 

Fungicides 6,433 19 936 8 15 

Other2 2,822 8 755 7 27 

Total 33,503 100 11,416 100 34 

1999 

Herbicides1 14,645 44 6,368 57 43 

Insecticides 9,110 27 3,046 27 33 

Fungicides 6,682 20 910 8 14 

Other2 3,156 9 831 7 26 

Total 33,593 100 11,155 100 33 

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding. Table does not cover wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/

hypochlorites.

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America (formerly the American Crop Protection Association (ACPA)) 

annual surveys and EPA proprietary data.

1. “Herbicides” include herbicides and plant growth regulators. 

2. “Other” includes nematicides, fumigants, rodenticides, molluscicides, aquatic and fish/bird pesticides, other 

miscellaneous conventional pesticides, plus other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfur and petroleum. 

Page 4—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
2. 1998 and 1999 Sales 

Figure 2.1

World and U.S. Comparison of Pesticide Expenditures:

User Level by Pesticide Type, 1999 Estimates

$40,000

$35,000

$30,000

$25,000

$20,000

$15,000

$10,000

$5,000 

$0 

Herbicides Insecticides Fungicides Other Total 

Millions of Dollars 

World Market 

U.S. Market 

Pesticide Type 

2.2 Value of U.S. Pesticides: Producers 

Table 2.2 summarizes the 1998 and 1999 average U.S. value of pesticides at the producer level, including production, import, export, and supply (total and net). Pesticide sales related to U.S. production and consumption of pesticides comprised $9.6 billion of domestic production, $1.0 billion of imports, $1.8 billion of exports, and $8.8 billion of net supply at the producer level. 

Table 2.2 

Value of U.S. Pesticide Production, Imports, Exports, and Supply of Pesticides1 

at Producer Level 

Category Sales Value 

(Billions of Dollars) 

Average of 1998 and 1999 

Production 9.6 

Imports 1.0 

Total Supply 10.6 

Exports 1.8 

Net Supply 8.8 

Note: Excludes industrial wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA Foreign Agricultural Trade of the 

U.S. (FATUS) databases (http://www.ers.usda.gov/db/fatus/), and EPA proprietary sources. 

1. Includes conventional and other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfur and petroleum.

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 5 
2. 1998 and 1999 Sales 

2.3 U.S. Pesticide Expenditures: Users 

U.S. expenditures at the user level on conventional and other pesticides totaled more than $11 billion in 

both 1998 and 1999 (see Table 2.3). The conventional and other pesticides comprising the expenditure estimates 

include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, fumigants, sulfur, petroleum oil, and others. The 

estimates exclude expenditures on specialty biocides, wood preservatives, and chlorine/hypochlorites. 

Reductions in spending in the agricultural sector on all pesticides, except other, more than offset increases in spending in the non-agricultural sectors in 1999, resulting in a decline in total 1999 expenditures. Expenditures in the agriculture sector accounted for more than two-thirds of total expenditures in both years. Herbicide expenditures dominated in all sectors except the home and garden sector, where insecticides comprise 

nearly 60% of all expenditures (see Figure 2.2). The estimated expenditures rely on the estimated changes in 

pesticide expenditures by sector and type provided in public and proprietary EPA databases. 

Table 2.3 

U.S. User Expenditures for Pesticides 

by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1998 and 1999 Estimates 

Year Herbicides / Plant 

Growth Regulators 

Insecticides / 

Miticides 

Fungicides Other1 Total 

Market Sector Mil $ (%) Mil $ (%) Mil $ (%) Mil $ (%) Mil $ (%) 

1998 

Agriculture 5,632 82 1,427 50 695 74 514 68 8,268 72 

Ind/Comm/Gov 728 11 425 15 215 23 77 10 1,445 13 

Home & Garden 493 7 1,020 36 26 3 164 22 1,703 15 

Total 6,853 100 2,872 100 936 100 755 100 11,416 100 

1999 

Agriculture 5,012 79 1,370 45 660 73 583 70 7,625 68 

Ind/Comm/Gov 794 12 463 15 215 24 74 9 1,546 14 

Home & Garden 562 9 1,213 40 35 4 174 21 1,984 18 

Total 6,368 100 3,046 100 910 100 831 100 11,155 100 

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding. Table does not cover industrial wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys and EPA proprietary data.

See Tables 5.1 to 5.4 for 1980-1999 estimates.

1. “Other” includes nematicides, fumigants, rodenticides, molluscicides, aquatic and fish/bird pesticides, other miscellaneous conventional pesticides, plus other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfur and petroleum. 

Page 6—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
2. 1998 and 1999 Sales 

Figure 2.2 

U.S. User Expenditures for Pesticides 

By Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1999 Estimates 

Millions of Dollars

7,000 

6,000 

5,000 

4,000 

3,000 

2,000 

1,000 

0 

` 

Herbicides Insecticides Fungicides Other 

Pesticide Type 

2.4 U.S. Pesticide and Farm Table 2.4 

Expenditures U.S. Farm Production 

Expenditures (Billions $)

Pesticides form an important component of 

total farm expenditures and are integral to farm 

Year 1998 1999 budgeting and management. U.S. pesticide expenditures in 1998 and 1999 totaled 4.4% and 4.0% of total Total $188.6 $192.1 farm expenditures, respectively (see Table 2.4). Total 

farm expenditures increased slightly in 1999 while Pesticides $8.3 $7.6 

pesticide expenditures declined. Total farm expenditures are based on USDA estimates and pesticide ex- Pesticides as % 4.4% 4.0%

penditures from Table 2.3. of Total

Source: EPA Estimates (Table 2.3); USDA/ 

National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 

(http://www.usda.gov/nass). 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 7 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

3.1 World and U.S. Pesticide Amount Used 

World pesticide amount used exceeded 5.6 billion pounds in 1998 and 1999 (see Table 3.1). Herbicides 

accounted for the largest proportion of total usage, followed by other pesticide usage, insecticide usage, and 

fungicide usage. Total world pesticide amount used was up slightly in 1999, due mainly to an increase in the use 

of other pesticides. 

U.S. pesticide amount used in 1998 and 1999 exceeded 1.2 billion pounds, in proportions similar to that 

for world pesticide usage, with a larger proportion of total U.S. pesticide usage on herbicides and other 

pesticides (see Figure 3.1). U.S. pesticide amount used accounted for more than 20% of total world pesticide 

amount used, 26% of world herbicide amount used, less than 10% of world insecticide amount used, and 

approximately 15% and 30% of world fungicides and other pesticide amount used, respectively. The estimates 

of world and U.S. pesticide usage rely on estimated pesticide amount used and estimated changes in pesticide 

amount used by type derived from public and proprietary EPA databases. Subsequent sections provide a more 

detailed analysis of U.S. pesticide amount used in 1998 and 1999. 

Table 3.1 

World and U.S. Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient (A.I.) at User Level 

by Pesticide Type, 1998 and 1999 Estimates 

Year World Market U.S. Market U.S. Percent of 

Class Mil lbs World Market

of a.i. 

% Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% 

1998 

Herbicides1 2,148 38 555 46 26 

Insecticides 1,427 25 103 9 7 

Fungicides 553 10 86 7 16 

Other2 1,522 27 462 38 30 

Total 5,650 100 1,206 100 21 

1999 

Herbicides1 2,040 36 534 43 26 

Insecticides 1,417 25 126 10 9 

Fungicides 556 10 79 6 14 

Other2 1,666 29 505 41 30 

Total 5,679 100 1,244 100 22 

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding. Table does not cover wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/

hypochlorites. 

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass), and EPA 

proprietary data. 

1. “Herbicides” include herbicides and plant growth regulators.

2. “Other” includes nematicides, fumigants, rodenticides, molluscicides, aquatic and fish/bird pesticides, other 

miscellaneous conventional pesticides, plus other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfur and petroleum. 

Page 8—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

Figure 3.1 

Millions of Pounds 

Comparison of World and U.S. Pesticide Pounds of Active Ingredient at User Level 

by Pesticide Type, 1999 Estimates 

6,000 

5,000 

4,000 

3,000 

2,000 

1,000 

0 

World Market 

U.S. Market 

Herbicides Insecticides Fungicides Other Total 

Pesticide Type 

3.2 U.S. Pesticide Supply: Producer Level 

Table 3.2 summarizes the 1998 and 1999 average U.S. distribution of pesticides at the producer level, 

including amount of production, amount of imports, amount of exports, and amount of supply (total and net). 

Pesticide amount related to U.S. pesticide production and consumption comprised 1.6 billion pounds of domestic 

production, 0.7 billion pounds of imports, 0.3 billion pounds of exports, and 1.2 billion pounds of net supply. 

Table 3.2 

U.S. Pesticide Production, Imports, Exports, and Supply of Pesticides1 

in Pounds Produced at the Producer Level 

Category Active Ingredient 

(Billions of Pounds) 

Average of 1998 and 1999 

Production 1.6 

Imports 0.3 

Total Supply 1.9 

Exports 0.7 

Net Supply 1.2 

Note: Excludes industrial wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA Foreign Agricultural Trade of the U.S. 

(FATUS) databases (http://www.ers.usda.gov/db/fatus/), and EPA proprietary data.

1. Includes conventional and other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfur and petroleum.

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 9 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

3.3 U.S. Pesticide Amount Used: Total 

Total pesticide amount used in the U.S. approximated 5 billion pounds in 1998 and 1999 (see Table 

3.3). This estimate included the conventional, other, wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/ 

hypochlorites pesticide groups. At more than 2.5 billion pounds used, usage of chlorine/hypochlorites exceeded 

all other pesticide groups combined (see Figure 3.2). The estimates of usage by group rely on the estimated 

amount used and changes in estimated amount used by pesticide group derived from public and proprietary EPA 

databases. A discussion of the amount used of each pesticide group in 1998 and 1999 appears in subsequent sections (see footnotes to Table 3.3 for location). 

Table 3.3 

Amount of U.S. Pesticide Usage 

by Pesticide Group, 1998 and 1999 Estimates 

Pesticide Total (Mil lbs) 

Group 1998 1999 

Conventional Pesticides1 912 912 

Other Pesticides2 294 332 

Specialty Biocides3 309 343 

Chlorine/Hypochlorites4 2,532 2,609 

Wood Preservatives5 820 801 

Total 4,867 4,997 

1. See Table 3.4 (conventional pesticides) for additional details and specific source 

information. 

2. See Table 3.9 (other pesticides) for additional details and specific source information. 

3. See Table 3.10a (specialty biocides) for additional details and specific source 

information. 

4. See Table 3.10b (chlorine/hypochlorites) for additional details and specific source 

information. 

5. Source: American Wood Preservatives Institute (AWPI) and EPA proprietary data. 

“Wood Preservatives” include creosote, pentachlorophenol, and chromated copper arsenate 

(CCA). 

Page 10—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

Figure 3.2 

Amount of U.S. Pesticide Usage 

by Pesticide Group, 1999 Estimates 

Conventional Pesticides (18%) 

Other Pesticides (7%) 

Chlorine/Hypochlorites (52%) 

Wood Preservatives (16%) 

Specialty Biocides (7%) 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 11 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

3.4 U.S. Pesticide Amount Used: Conventional 

Table 3.3 shows that conventional pesticide amount used in 1998 and 1999 totaled 912 million pounds. 

This category was second highest among all pesticide groups in the U.S. after chlorine/hypochlorites. Table 3.4 

shows the breakout of this usage by pesticide type and market sector. Pesticide types in this group include herbicides, plant growth regulators, insecticides, miticides, fungicides, nematicides, fumigants, and others.1

 Although 

total usage estimates were the same in 1998 and 1999, usage by sector and type varied between the two years. 

The amount used in the agricultural sector accounted for the majority of the total amount used in both years, with 

the two non-agricultural sectors (industry/commercial/government and home & garden) cumulatively accounting 

for less than 25% of the total usage in each year (see Table 3.4). The amount used in the agriculture sector accounted for the majority of the total amount used by pesticide type in both years as well - more than 60% of the 

total amount used of each type, except for fungicides in 1999 (57%). Figure 3.3 graphs the distribution of usage 

by type and sector. The estimated usage relies on the estimated amount used and changes in amount used of 

conventional pesticides by sector and type derived from public and proprietary EPA databases. 

A notable (35%) increase in insecticide amount used in agriculture occurred in 1999. This increase is 

due in large part to an increase in the amount of malathion used on cotton as part of the USDA-sponsored Boll 

Weevil Eradication Program. Additional information on this program, including the history and the states 

participating, can be found at the Web site: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/weevil/. 

Table 3.4 

U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient 

by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1998 and 1999 Estimates 

Year Herbicides / Plant 

Growth Regulators 

Insecticides / 

Miticides 

Fungicides Nematicide / 

Fumigant 

Other 

Conventional1 

Total 

Sector Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% 

1998 

Agriculture 465 84 69 67 54 63 111 82 25 78 724 79 

Ind/Comm/Gov 41 7 21 20 24 28 24 18 6 19 116 13 

Home & Garden 49 9 13 13 8 9 1 1 1 3 72 8 

Total 555 100 103 100 86 100 136 100 32 100 912 100 

1999 

Agriculture 428 80 93 74 45 57 115 82 25 76 706 77 

Ind/Comm/Gov 52 10 19 15 24 30 24 17 7 21 126 14 

Home & Garden 54 10 14 11 10 13 1 1 1 3 80 9 

Total 534 100 126 100 79 100 140 100 33 100 912 100 

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding. Table does not cover industrial wood preservatives, specialty biocides, chlorine/hypochlorites, and other chemicals used as 

pesticides, e.g., sulfur and petroleum.

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass/), and EPA proprietary data. 

See Tables 5.5 to 5.8 for 1980-1999 estimates.

1. “Other Conventional” pesticides include rodenticides, molluscicides, aquatic and fish/bird pesticides, and other miscellaneous conventional pesticides. 

Page 12—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

Figure 3.3 

U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient 

by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1999 Estimates

Millions of Pounds 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

Herbicides/Plant Insecticides/ Fungicides Fumigants/ Other 

Growth Regula- Miticides Nematicides 

tors 

Pesticide Type 

3.5 Share of U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient Used in the 

Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Market Sectors 

Table 3.5 shows the agricultural and non-agricultural market share of total conventional pesticides 

consumed in 1998 and 1999. The agricultural sector accounts for more than 75% of the total amount of 

conventional pesticides used in both years. See Table 5.9 in the Historical Data section of this report for data 

covering the years 1964 through 1999. 

Table 3.5

Share of U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient:

Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Market Sector Shares, 1998 and 1999

Year U.S. Agricultural Market Sector Non-Agricultural Market Sector 

Mil lbs Mil lbs % of U.S. Mil lbs % of U.S 

1998 912 724 79 188 21 

1999 912 706 77 206 23 

Note: Conventional pesticides only, excluding sulfur, petroleum oil and other chemicals used as pesticides (e.g., sulfuric 

acid and insect repellents), wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.

See Table 5.9 for 1964 - 1999.

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass), and EPA 

proprietary data. 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 13 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

3.6 Most Commonly Used U.S. Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients Used 

in the Agricultural Market Sector 

Table 3.6 shows the 25 most commonly used conventional pesticide active ingredients in the 

agricultural sector in 1999 and selected earlier years. Atrazine was the most used active ingredient in 1999 

(between 74 and 80 million pounds). Fourteen of the top 25 active ingredients used are herbicides; three are fungicides; three are insecticides; four are fumigants; and one is a plant growth regulator. The rankings rely on the 

estimated volume of conventional pesticides used in the agricultural sector, taken from public and proprietary 

EPA databases. 

Table 3.6 

Most Commonly Used Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients 

Agricultural Market Sector, 1999, 1997, 1993, and 1987 Estimates 

(Ranked by Range in Millions of Pounds of Active Ingredient) 

1999 1997 1993 1987 

Rank Active Ingredient Type Range Rank Range Rank Range Rank Range 

1 Atrazine H 74-80 1 75-82 1 70-75 1 71-76 

2 Glyphosate H 67-73 5 34-38 11 15-20 17 6-8 

3 Metam Sodium Fum 60-64 3 53-58 8 25-30 15 5-8 

4 Acetochlor H 30-35 7 31-36 NA NA NA NA 

5 Methyl Bromide Fum 28-33 4 38-45 3 49-57 NA NA 

6 2,4-D H 28-33 8 29-33 7 25-30 5 29-33 

7 Malathion I 28-32 NA NA NA NA NA NA 

8 Metolachlor H 26-30 2 63-69 2 60-65 3 45-50 

9 Trifluralin H 18-23 10 21-25 9 20-25 6 25-30 

10 Pendimethalin H 17-22 9 24-28 10 20-25 10 10-13 

11 Dichloropropene Fum 17-20 6 32-37 6 30-35 4 30-35 

12 Metolachlor-s H 16-19 NA NA NA NA NA NA 

13 Chlorothalonil F 9-11 15 7-10 14 10-15 19 5-7 

14 Chloropicrin Fum 8-10 25 5-6 NA NA NA NA 

15 Copper Hydroxide F 8-10 13 10-13 14 10-15 19 5-7 

16 Chlorpyrifos I 8-10 14 9-13 13 10-15 14 6-9 

17 Alachlor H 7-10 12 13-16 4 45-50 2 55-60 

18 Propanil H 7-10 22 6-8 15 7-12 13 7-10 

19 EPTC H 7-9 18 7-10 12 10-15 8 17-21 

20 Dimethenamid H 6-8 20 6-9 NA NA NA NA 

21 Mancozeb F 6-8 17 7-10 19 4-7 21 4-6 

22 Dicamba H 6-8 16 7-10 16 6-10 23 4-6 

23 Terbufos I 5-7 19 6-9 17 5-8 11 8-10 

24 Ethephon PGR 5-6 NA NA NA NA NA NA 

25 Cyanazine H 4-8 11 18-22 5 30-35 7 21-25 

Note: List is limited to conventional pesticides and does not include sulfur and petroleum oil usage (see Table 3.9 for estimates). 

H, indicates herbicide; I, insecticide; Fum fumigant; F, fungicide; and PGR, plant growth regulator. NA indicates that an estimate is not available.

Source: EPA estimates based on USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass) and EPA proprietary data.

Page 14—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

3.7 Most Commonly Used 

U.S. Conventional 

Pesticide Active 

Ingredients in the NonAgricultural Market 

Sectors 

Tables 3.7a and 3.7b show the 

ten most commonly used conventional 

pesticide active ingredients in the two 

non-agricultural sectors (home & garden and industry/commercial/ 

government) in 1999 and 1997. In both 

sectors, 2,4-D was the most used active 

ingredient, with between seven and nine 

million pounds used in the home and 

garden sector (see Table 3.7a), and between 17 and 20 million pounds used in 

the industry/commercial/government 

sector (see Table 3.7b). Six of the top 

ten in the home and garden sector are 

herbicides and four are insecticides. 

Six of the top ten in the industry/ 

commercial/government sector are herbicides, two are fungicides, and two are 

insecticides. As indicated in the note to 

Table 3.7b, due to the fact that some 

applicators apply pesticide in both markets, there may be some usage reported 

in one market that may have occurred 

in the other. The rankings rely on the 

estimated amount used of conventional 

pesticides in the non-agricultural sector 

taken from proprietary EPA databases. 

Table 3.7a 

Most Commonly Used Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients 

Home and Garden Market Sector, 1999 and 1997 

(Ranked by Range in Millions of Pounds of Active Ingredient) 

1999 1997 

Rank Active Ingredient Type Range Rank Range 

1 2,4-D H 7-9 

2 Glyphosate H 5-8 

3 MCPP H 3-5 

4 Dicamba H 3-5 

5 Diazinon I 2-4 

6 Chlorpyrifos I 2-4 

7 Carbaryl I 2-4 

8 Benefin H 1-3 

9 Malathion I 1-3 

10 DCPA H 1-3 

1 7-9 

2 5-7 

4 3-5 

3 3-5 

5 2-4 

6 2-4 

7 1-3 

8 1-3 

NA NA 

9 1-3 

Note: Does not include moth controls: Paradiclorobenzene (30 - 35 million pounds 

per year) and naphthaline (2 - 4 million pounds per year). Also does not include insect repellent N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (5 - 7 millions pounds per year).

H indicates herbicide and I, insecticide.

Source: EPA proprietary data.

Table 3.7b 

Most Commonly Used Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredients 

Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector, 1999 and 1997 

(Ranked by Range in Millions of Pounds of Active Ingredient) 

1999 1997 

Rank Active Ingredient Type Range Rank Range 

1 2,4-D H 17-20 

2 Glyphosate H 11-14 

3 Copper Sulfate F 5-7 

4 Pendimethalin H 3-5 

5 Chlorpyrifos I 3-5 

6 MSMA H 2-4 

7 Chlorothalanil F 2-4 

8 Diuron H 2-4 

9 Malathion I 1-3 

10 Triclopyr H 1-3 

1 16-18 

2 9-12 

3 5-7 

7 2-4 

4 4-7 

5 4-5 

8 2-4 

NA NA 

9 2-3 

NA NA 

Note: Includes applications to homes and gardens by professional applicators. Does not include sulfur or petroleum oil. H indicates herbicide; I, insecticide; and F, fungicide. 

Source: EPA proprietary data. 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 15 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

3.8 U.S. Organophosphate Insecticide Amount Used 

Table 3.8a shows the total amount of organophosphate insecticide used in 1980, 1985, and annually 

since 1990. The top ten active ingredients in this pesticide class include malathion, chlorpyrifos, terbufos, 

diazinon, methyl-parathion, phorate, acephate, azinphos-methyl, phosmet, and dimethoate (see Table 3.8b). 

Since the passage of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) in 1996, this class of conventional pesticides has 

been a primary focus of EPA reregistration activities. For more information on the active ingredients included in 

this pesticide class and their reregistration and registration status, go to the Office of Pesticide Programs Web 

site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/. 

The amount of organophosphate insecticides used has declined 30% since 1980, from an estimated 131 

million pounds in 1980 to 91 million pounds in 1999. Since 1980, however, organophosphate usage as a percent 

of total insecticide usage has increased, from 58% in 1980 to 72% in 1999. The increase in usage in 1999 was 

due mainly to the increased amount of malathion used as part of the USDA-sponsored Boll Weevil Eradication 

Program. Malathion’s use in this program has increased substantially over the past few years as the program has 

expanded to include most of the major cotton producing areas of the U.S. Additional information on this USDA 

program can be found on the USDA Web site http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/weevil/. The estimates of organophosphate insecticide usage rely on the estimated amount used and changes in the amount used of organophosphates from public and proprietary EPA databases. 

Table 3.8a

U.S. Pounds of Organophosphate Insecticide Active Ingredients,

All Market Sectors, 1980 - 1999

Year All Insecticides Organophosphates 

Mil lbs of a.i. Mil lbs of a.i. % of All Insecticides 

1980 228 131 58 

1985 161 114 71 

1990 121 85 70 

1991 114 82 72 

1992 116 84 72 

1993 115 79 69 

1994 124 83 67 

1995 125 80 64 

1996 116 75 65 

1997 112 73 65 

1998 103 66 64 

1999 126 91 72 

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS 

(http://www.usda.gov/nass/), and EPA proprietary data. 

Page 16—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

Figure 3.4 

Total U.S. Pounds of Insecticide Active Ingredients for Organophosphate and 

All Other Insecticides, All Market Sectors, 1980 - 1999 

0 

50 

100 

150 

200 

250 

Millions of Pounds

Organophosphate Insecticide 

All Other Insecticides 

1980 1985 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Year 

Table 3.8b

Most Commonly Used Organophosphate Insecticide Active Ingredients,

All Market Sectors, 1999 Estimates

(Ranked by Range in Millions of Pounds of Active Ingredient)

1999 

Rank Active Ingredient Range 

1 Malathion 30-38 

2 Chlorpyrifos 13-19 

3 Terbufos 5-7 

4 Diazinon 4-7 

5 Methyl Parathion 2-4 

6 Phorate 2-3 

7 Acephate 2-3 

8 Azinphos-Methyl 1-2 

9 Phosmet 1-2 

10 Dimethoate 1-2 

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/ 

NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass/), and EPA proprietary data. 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 17 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

3.9 U.S. Pesticide Amount Used: Other 

Total amount of other pesticides used in the U.S. was slightly less than 300 million pounds in 1998, and 

more than 330 million pounds in 1999 (see Table 3.9). The pesticides in this group include sulfur and petroleum 

oil, and other chemicals used as pesticides, such as sulfuric acid, insect repellants (e.g., DEET), moth control 

products (e.g., paradichlorobenzene), and others.1

 Nearly all of the sulfur and oil usage (85%) is in the 

agricultural sector, while the usage of the other pesticides in this group is mainly in the agricultural and home 

and garden sectors (93%). The increase in the amount used in 1999 resulted mainly from an increase in the 

usage of sulfur and petroleum oil in the agricultural sector. The amount of sulfur and petroleum oil and of the 

other pesticides in this group in the non-agricultural sectors did not change significantly between 1998 

and 1999. Nearly three-fourths of the total amount of sulfur, oil and other pesticides used was in the agricultural 

sector. The estimated usage relies on the amount used and changes in the amount used of sulfur, oil, and other 

pesticides by sector and type derived from public and proprietary EPA databases. 

Table 3.9 

U.S. Pounds of Other Pesticides 

by Pesticide Type and Market Sector, 1998 and 1999 Estimates 

Year Sulfur & Oil Other1 Total 

Sector Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% Mil lbs 

of a.i. 

% 

1998 

Agriculture 160 85 52 50 212 72 

Ind/Comm/Gov 14 7 8 8 22 7 

Home & Garden 15 8 45 43 60 20 

Total 189 100 105 100 294 100 

1999 

Agriculture 190 87 60 53 250 75 

Ind/Comm/Gov 14 6 8 7 22 7 

Home & Garden 15 7 45 40 60 18 

Total 219 100 113 100 332 100 

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding. Table estimates do not include industrial wood preservatives, 

specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/

nass), and EPA proprietary data. 

See Tables 5.5 to 5.8 for 1980-1999 estimates.

1. “Other” includes sulfuric acid, insect repellents, zinc sulfate, moth control chemicals (e.g., paradichlorobenzene and napthaline), and other miscellaneous chemicals produced largely for nonpesticidal purposes. 

Page 18—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
3. 1998 and 1999 Usage 

3.10 U.S. Pesticide Amount Used: Specialty Biocides and Chlorine/Hypochlorites 

Tables 3.10a and 3.10b show the total amount of specialty biocides and chlorine/hypochlorites by enduse market in the U.S. in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Specialty biocides include water treatment chemicals, 

disinfectants and sanitizers, and products for other uses, such as in adhesives and sealants, leather, etc. More 

than two-thirds of the total amount of specialty biocides comprised water treatment chemicals. Chlorine/ 

hypochlorites serve as water disinfectants, with 60% of their amount used in potable and waste water and 40% in 

recreational water. The estimates of the amount used rely on EPA proprietary databases and industry projections. 

Table 3.10a Table 3.10b 

U.S. Pounds of Specialty Biocides U.S. Pounds of Chlorine/Hypochlorites 

by End Use Market, 1998 and 1999 Estimates by End Use Market, 1998 and 1999 Estimates 

Year Total 

End Use Mil lbs % 

1998 

Recreational and Industrial 210 68 

Water Treatment1 

Disinfectants and Sanitizers2 48 16 

Other Specialty Biocides3 51 17 

Total 309 100 

1999 

Recreational and Industrial 230 67 

Water Treatment1 

Disinfectants and Sanitizers2 62 18 

Other Specialty Biocides3 51 15 

Total 343 100 

Year Total 

End Use Mil lbs % 

1998 

Disinfectant of Potable and 1,520 60 

Waste Water 

Disinfectant for Recrea- 1,012 40 

tional Water 

Total 2,532 100 

1999 

Disinfectant of Potable and 1,566 60 

Waste Water 

Disinfectant for Recrea- 1,043 40 

tional Water 

Total 2,609 100 

Source: EPA estimates based on EPA proprietary data. 

Source: EPA estimates based on EPA proprietary data. 

1. “Recreational and Industrial Water Treatment” does not include 

hypochlorite or chlorine consumption, which is reported separately. 

2. “Disinfectants and Sanitizers” includes industrial/institutional 

applications and household cleaning products. Specialty biocides 

only. Does not include hypochlorite or chlorine consumption, which 

is reported separately. 

3. “Other Specialty Biocides” includes biocides for adhesives and 

sealants, leather, synthetic latex polymers, metalworking fluids, 

paints and coatings, petroleum products, plastics, and mineral 

slurries. 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 19 
4. Producers and Users 

4.1 Pesticide Producers and Users 

Table 4.1a lists estimates of the number of firms that are pesticide producers, formulators, and distributors. Table 4.1b lists estimates of farm land, acres harvested, and the number of farms using pesticides and 

fertilizers. Table 4.1c lists estimates of the number of pest control firms and certified pesticide applicators. 

Table 4.1d lists estimates of the number of households using pesticides. 

Table 4.1a Table 4.1c 

The Number of Pesticide Producers, The Number of Commercial Pest Control 

Formulators, and Distributors Firms and Number of Certified Applicators 

1. A. Major Basic Producers

 B. Other Producers

2. A. Major National Formulators

 B. Other Formulators

3. A. Major National Distributors 

and Establishments 

B. Other Distributors and 

Establishments 

18

100 

150 - 200

2,000 

250 - 350

16,900 

Source: EPA estimates based on EPA proprietary data. 

Table 4.1b

Land in Farms, Farm Acres Harvested, 

the Number of Farms, and the Number of 

Farms Using Pesticides 

1. Land in Farms

2. Land Harvested

3. Total Number of Farms

4. Total Number of Farms with 

Cropland 

5. Total Number of Farms with Harvested 

Cropland 

6. Number of Farms Using Chemicals for:

 A. Insects on Hay/Crops

 B. Nematodes

 C. Diseases on Crops/Orchards

 D. Weed/Grass/Brush

 E. Defoliation/Fruit Thinning

 F. Any or all of the above

932M 

309M 

1.912M 

1.661M 

1.411M 

366,000

43,000

112,000

685,000

51,000

941,000

1. Commercial Pest Control Firms 33,100 

2. Private1 Certified Applicators 803,423 

3. Commercial2 Certified Applicators 384,092 

Source: Estimates based on 1992 EPA National Home and Garden 

Pesticide Use Survey and 1999 EPA estimates of the number of certified private and commercial pesticide applicators. 

1. Private certified applicators refers primarily to individual farmers.

2. Commercial certified applicators refers to professional 

pesticide applicators. 

Table 4.1d 

The Number of Households Using Pesticides 

1. Number of U.S. Households Using: 

A. Insecticides 58 Million

 B. Fungicides 14 Million

 C. Herbicides 40 Million

 D. Repellents 52 Million

 E. Disinfectants 58 Million

 F. Any Pesticides 77 Million 

Note: In 1999 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the U.S. 

population to be 272.7 million and 103.9 million households. 

Source: EPA estimates based on 1992 EPA National Home and 

Garden Survey and 1999 U.S. Census Bureau population 

estimates. 

G. Any or all of the above plus fertilizer 1,325,000 

Source: 1997 Census of Agriculture (http://www.nass/usda.gov/ 

Census). 

Page 20—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
5. Historical Data 

5.1 Annual U.S. Expenditures on Pesticides: 1980 - 1999 

The following four tables (Tables 5.1a - 5.1d) summarize annual user expenditures on pesticides since 

1980. Table 5.1a summarizes user expenditures on pesticides in all markets combined, while Table 5.1b, Table 

5.1c and Table 5.1d summarize user expenditures in the agricultural, industry/commerical/government, and 

home and garden markets, respectively. In each market, user expenditures on pesticides have increased in total 

and by type since 1980, although the total amount has fluctuated from year to year. 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 21 
Fungicides and Others 

1999 

5. Historical Data 

Table 5.1a

U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999,

All Market Sectors

Pesticide Type Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Millions of Dollars

Herbicides/PGR 3,310 3,738 3,772 3,870 4,488 3,920 3,858 3,973 4,121 4,305 4,473 4,682 5,004 5,094 5,944 6,276 6,599 6,846 6,853 6,368 Insecticides 2,037 2,077 2,014 2,074 1,809 1,823 1,759 2,008 1,964 1,978 2,083 2,139 2,198 2,479 2,722 3,017 2,849 2,957 2,872 3,046 Fung & Other 459 536 540 731 708 963 967 1,049 1,190 1,141 1,171 1,223 1,183 1,259 1,408 1,488 1,521 1,528 1,691 1,741 Total 5,806 6,351 6,326 6,675 7,005 6,706 6,584 7,030 7,275 7,424 7,727 8,044 8,385 8,832 10,074 10,781 10,969 11,331 11,416 11,155 

Millions of Dollars 6,000 4,000

2,000

0

Note: Excludes wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys and EPA proprietary data. 

Figure 5.1a

U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, 

All Market Sectors

12,00010,000

8,000 

Herbicides 

and 

Insecticides

Year 

Page 22—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 

1980 

1981 

1982 

1983 

1984 

1985 

1986 

1987 

1988 

1989 

1990 

1991 

1992 

1993 

1994 

1995 

1996 

1997 

1998 
Table 5.1b

U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999,

Agricultural Market Sector

Pesticide Type Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Millions of Dollars

Herbicides/PGR 2,300 2,590 2,465 2,800 3,390 2,900 2,775 2,935 3,080 3,255 3,463 3,644 3,915 3,987 4,808 5,112 5,399 5,610 5,632 5,012 Insecticides 1,095 1,139 1,109 1,261 903 990 914 1,145 1,010 978 1,067 687 1,058 1,123 1,293 1,607 1,480 1,551 1,427 1,370 Fung & Other 205 272 268 450 418 615 600 650 775 800 842 884 829 895 1,036 1,107 1,128 1,124 1,209 1,243 Total 3,600 4,001 3,842 4,511 4,711 4,505 4,289 4,730 4,865 5,033 5,372 5,215 5,802 6,005 7,137 7,826 8,007 8,285 8,268 7,625 

Millions of Dollars 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000

2,0001,000

0

Note: Excludes wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys and EPA proprietary data. 

Figure 5.1b

U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, 

Agricultural Market Sector

10,000

9,0008,0007,000 

Herbicides 

Fungicides and Others

Insecticides 

5. Historical Data 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 23 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Year 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 
Fungicides and Others

1999 

Table 5.1c

U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999,

Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector

Pesticide Type Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Millions of Dollars

Herbicides/PGR 660 756 852 720 720 600 642 576 600 630 593 616 648 660 679 700 721 743 728 794 Insecticides 312 319 305 288 365 315 316 330 394 317 307 328 378 406 533 527 458 386 425 463 Fung & Other 132 138 142 144 150 180 192 210 240 180 169 176 186 191 197 202 208 214 292 289 Total 1,104 1,213 1,299 1,152 1,235 1,095 1,150 1,116 1,234 1,127 1,069 1,120 1,212 1,257 1,409 1,429 1,387 1,343 1,445 1,546 

Millions of Dollars 1,000 800 600

400200

0

Note: Excludes wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys and EPA proprietary data. 

Figure 5.1c

U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, 

Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector 

1,8001,6001,4001,200

Herbicides 

Insecticides

5. Historical Data 

Page 24—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 

Year 

1980 

1981 

1982 

1983 

1984 

1985 

1986 

1987 

1988 

1989 

1990 

1991 

1992 

1993 

1994 

1995 

1996 

1997 

1998 
5. Historical Data 

Table 5.1d

U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999,

Home and Garden Market Sector

Pesticide Type Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Millions of Dollars

Herbicides/PGR 350 392 445 350 378 420 441 462 441 420 417 423 441 446 456 465 479 493 493 562 Insecticides 630 618 600 525 542 518 529 534 601 683 710 724 762 870 895 883 910 1,020 1,020 1,213 Fung & Other 122 126 130 137 140 168 175 189 175 161 160 162 168 174 175 179 185 190 190 209 Total 1,102 1,136 1,175 1,012 1,060 1,106 1,145 1,185 1,217 1,264 1,287 1,309 1,371 1,490 1,526 1,527 1,574 1,703 1,703 1,984 

Millions of Dollars 1,500 1,000

500

0

Note: Excludes wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys and EPA proprietary data. 

Figure 5.1d

U.S. Annual User Expenditures on Pesticides, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, 

Home and Garden Market Sector

2,5002,000 

Fungicides and Others

Insecticides 

Herbicides 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 Year 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 25 
5. Historical Data 

5.2 Annual Amount of Pesticides Used: 1980 - 1999 

The following four tables (Tables 5.2a - 5.2d) summarize annual pounds of pesticides used since 1980. 

Table 5.2a summarizes the amount of pesticides used in all markets combined, while Table 5.2b, Table 5.2c and 

Table 5.2d summarize the amount of pesticides used in the agricultural, industry/commercial/government, and 

home and garden markets, respectively. In each market, the amount of pesticides used has decreased in total 

since 1980, although the total amount has fluctuated from year to year. 

Page 26—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
1999 

Table 5.2a

U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999,

All Market Sectors

Pesticide Type Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Millions of Pounds of Active Ingredient

Herbicides/PGR 622 631 620 573 634 611 590 532 557 567 564 546 554 527 583 556 578 568 555 534 Insecticides 228 213 198 185 173 161 150 140 131 123 121 115 116 115 123 125 117 112 103 126 Fungicides 122 122 117 115 109 110 109 100 99 98 91 86 81 80 79 77 79 81 86 79 Other Conv.1 149 153 149 148 145 138 138 133 137 154 173 183 189 192 199 203 222 197 168 173 Other2 321 307 298 287 284 284 278 269 266 251 252 226 246 248 244 249 234 270 294 332 Total 1,442 1,426 1,382 1,308 1,345 1,304 1,265 1,174 1,190 1,193 1,201 1,156 1,186 1,162 1,228 1,210 1,230 1,228 1,206 1,244 

Millions of Pounds of AI 1,000 800 600 400

200

0

Note: Excludes wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass), and EPA proprietary data. 1. Other conventional pesticides include nematicides, fumigants, and other conventional pesticides.2. “Other” includes sulfur, petroleum, and other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfuric acid and insect repellants. 

Figure 5.2a

U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, 

All Market Sectors

1,6001,4001,200 

Herbicides 

Other Conventional

Fungicides 

Insecticides

Other 

5. Historical Data 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 27 

Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 
1999 

Table 5.2b

U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999,

Agricultural Market Sector

Pesticide Type Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Millions of Pounds of Active Ingredient

Herbicides/PGR 504 513 503 455 516 501 481 425 450 460 455 440 450 425 485 461 481 470 465 428 Insecticides 163 152 141 131 122 113 105 98 91 85 82 77 78 72 80 85 81 79 69 93 Fungicides 59 62 59 59 56 59 59 52 54 54 50 47 45 47 48 49 51 53 54 45 Other Conv.1 100 104 101 100 100 94 94 91 95 113 133 144 150 154 163 170 190 165 136 140 Other2 227 215 207 196 194 194 188 180 177 161 164 140 161 166 163 168 152 188 212 250 Total 1,053 1,046 1,011 941 988 961 927 846 867 873 884 848 884 864 939 933 955 955 936 956 

Millions of Pounds of AI 800 600 400

200

0

Note: Excludes wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass), and EPA proprietary data. 1. Other conventional pesticides include nematicides, fumigants, and other conventional pesticides.2. “Other” includes sulfur, petroleum, and other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfuric acid and insect repellants. 

Figure 5.2b

U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, 

Agricultural Market Sector

1,2001,000 

Herbicides 

Fungicides 

Insecticides 

Other Conventional

Other 

5. Historical Data 

Page 28—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 

Year 

1980 

1981 

1982 

1983 

1984 

1985 

1986 

1987 

1988 

1989 

1990 

1991 

1992 

1993 

1994 

1995 

1996 

1997 

1998 
1999 

Table 5.2c

U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999,

Industry/Commercial/Government Market Sector

Pesticide Type Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Millions of Pounds of Active Ingredient

Herbicides/PGR 83 82 80 80 78 70 68 65 64 63 63 60 58 56 52 48 49 49 41 52 Insecticides 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 27 27 26 27 30 30 28 24 20 21 19 Fungicides 45 43 41 40 38 37 36 34 32 31 31 30 28 25 23 20 20 20 24 24 Other Conv.1 46 46 45 45 41 41 41 39 39 38 38 37 36 36 34 31 30 30 30 31 Other2 25 24 24 24 24 23 23 22 22 22 22 21 21 20 20 22 22 22 22 22 Total 234 229 223 221 212 201 197 188 184 181 181 174 170 167 159 149 145 141 138 148 

Millions of Pounds of AI 150 10050

0

Note: Excludes wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass), and EPA proprietary data. 1. Other conventional pesticides include nematicides, fumigants, and other conventional pesticides.2. “Other” includes sulfur, petroleum, and other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfuric acid and insect repellants. 

Figure 5.2c

U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, 

250200 

Herbicides

Fungicides 

Insecticides 

Other Conventional

Other 

5. Historical Data 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 29 

Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 
1999 

Table 5.2d

U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999,

Home and Garden Market Sector

Pesticide Type Year 

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 

Millions of Pounds of Active Ingredient

Herbicides/PGR 35 36 37 38 40 40 41 42 43 44 46 46 46 46 46 47 48 49 49 54 Insecticides 30 27 24 22 20 18 16 14 13 12 12 12 12 13 13 12 12 13 13 14 Fungicides 18 17 17 16 15 14 14 14 13 13 10 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 10 Other Conv.1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Other2 69 68 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 68 66 65 64 62 61 59 60 60 60 60 Total 155 151 148 146 145 142 141 140 139 139 136 134 132 131 130 128 130 132 132 140 

Millions of Pounds of AI 120 100806040

20

0

Note: Excludes wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass), and EPA proprietary data. 1. Other conventional pesticides include nematicides, fumigants, and other conventional pesticides.2. “Other” includes sulfur, petroleum, and other chemicals used as pesticides, e.g., sulfuric acid and insect repellants. 

Figure 5.2d

U.S. Annual Pounds of Pesticide Active Ingredient, by Pesticide Type, 1980 - 1999, 

Home and Garden Market Sector

180160140 

Herbicides

Fungicides 

Insecticides 

Other Conventional 

Other 

5. Historical Data 

Page 30—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 

Year 

1980 

1981 

1982 

1983 

1984 

1985 

1986 

1987 

1988 

1989 

1990 

1991 

1992 

1993 

1994 

1995 

1996 

1997 

1998 
5. Historical Data 

Table 5.3

U.S. Pounds of Conventional Pesticide Active Ingredient,

Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Market Sector Shares, 1964 - 1999

Year Total U.S. Agricultural Sector Non- Agricultural Sector 

Million Pounds of 

Active Ingredient 

Million Pounds of 

Active Ingredient 

% of total 

U.S. 

Million Pounds of 

Active Ingredient 

1964 

1965 

1966 

1967 

1968 

1969 

1970 

1971 

1972 

1973 

1974 

1975 

1976 

1977 

1978 

1979 

1980 

1981 

1982 

1983 

1984 

1985 

1986 

1987 

1988 

1989 

1990 

1991 

1992 

1993 

1994 

1995 

1996 

1997 

1998 

1999 

617 366 59 251 

658 396 60 262 

682 414 61 268 

712 429 60 283 

742 457 62 285 

763 491 64 272 

760 499 66 261 

793 528 67 265 

843 575 68 268 

882 607 69 275 

964 688 71 276 

1013 729 72 284 

1041 753 72 288 

1084 794 73 290 

1106 813 74 293 

1144 843 74 301 

1121 826 74 295 

1118 831 74 287 

1084 804 74 280 

1021 745 73 276 

1061 794 75 267 

1020 767 75 253 

988 739 75 249 

906 666 74 240 

925 690 75 235 

942 712 76 230 

949 720 76 229 

928 708 76 220 

940 723 77 217 

914 698 76 216 

984 776 79 208 

961 765 80 196 

996 803 81 193 

958 767 80 191 

912 724 79 188 

912 706 77 206 

Note: Conventional pesticides only, excluding sulfur, petroleum oil and other chemicals used as pesticides (e.g., sulfuric acid and insect repellants), 

wood preservatives, specialty biocides, and chlorine/hypochlorites.

Source: EPA estimates based on Croplife America annual surveys, USDA/NASS (http://www.usda.gov/nass), and EPA proprietary data. 

See Table 3.5 for 1998 and 1999. 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 31 
6. Glossary 

ACTIVE INGREDIENT (A.I.): The chemical or substance component of a pesticide product intended to kill, 

repel, attract, mitigate, or control a pest, or that acts as a plant growth regulator, desiccant, or nitrogen stabilizer. 

The remainder of a formulated pesticide product consists of one or more “inert ingredients” (e.g., water, solvents, emulsifiers, surfactants, clay, and propellants), which are there for reasons other than pesticidal activity. 

AGRICULTURAL USER SECTOR (OR MARKET): Pesticides applied by owner/operators and custom/ 

commercial applicators to farms and facilities involved in the production of raw agricultural commodities, principally food, fiber, and tobacco; includes non-crop and post-harvest use as well as crop and field applications. 

CERTIFIED APPLICATOR: A person who is authorized to apply “restricted-use” pesticides as a result of meeting requirements for certification under FIFRA-mandated programs. Applicator certification programs are conducted by states, territories, and tribes in accordance with national standards set by EPA. “Restricted use pesticides” may be used only by or under the direct supervision of specially trained and certified applicators. 

COMMERCIAL APPLICATOR: A person applying pesticides as part of a business applying pesticides for hire, 

or a person applying pesticides as part of his or her job with another (not for hire) type of business, organization, 

or agency. Commercial applicators often are certified, but need to be so only if they use restricted-use pesticides. 

CROPLIFE AMERICA: Formerly the American Crop Protection Association (ACPA), which publishes annual 

pesticide industry profile (ACPA Industry Profile). The profile is a survey of pesticide sales provided by participating ACPA members. 

CONVENTIONAL PESTICIDES: Pesticides that are chemicals or other substances developed and produced 

primarily or only for use as pesticides. The term is generally used in reference to active ingredients. An example is DDT, which was developed and used almost exclusively as a pesticide. 

ECONOMIC USER SECTORS (OR MARKETS): In this report, estimates of quantities used and user expenditures for pesticides are broken out separately for the three general economic user sectors (or markets) as follows: 

agriculture, industrial/commercial/governmental, and home/garden. These three sectors/markets are defined 

elsewhere in this glossary. 

FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is involved in regulation of pesticides in the U.S., particularly 

enforcement of tolerances in food and feed products. 

FFDCA: Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the law that controls pesticide residues in food and feed. 

FIFRA: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the law that generally controls pesticide sale and 

use. 

FQPA: The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996 amended the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). 

HOME AND GARDEN USER SECTOR (OR MARKET): Involves pesticides applied by homeowners to homes 

and gardens, including lawns and single- and multiple-unit housing. Does not include pesticides for home/ 

garden applications by professional applicators. 

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL/GOVERNMENTAL USER SECTOR (OR MARKET): Involves pesticides applied by professional applicators (by owner/operators/employees and custom/commercial applicators) to industrial, commercial, and governmental facilities, buildings, sites, and land; plus custom/commercial applications to 

homes and gardens, including lawns. May also be referred to as “professional market” for pesticides. 

NON-AGRICULTURAL SECTORS: General term referring to a combination of home/garden and industrial/ 

commercial/governmental sectors. 

Page 32—Pesticides Industry Sales and Usage Report 
6. Glossary 

OTHER PESTICIDES: Chemicals registered as pesticides but that are produced and marketed mostly for other 

purposes, i.e., multi-use chemicals. Notable examples are sulfur, petroleum products (e.g., kerosene, oils, and 

distillates), salt, and sulfuric acid. 

PESTICIDE: May be used to refer to an active ingredient (as defined above) or formulated pesticide product registered under FIFRA. 

PESTICIDE USER EXPENDITURES: Dollar value of purchases by persons or businesses applying pesticides, 

such as farmers, commercial pesticide applicators, and homeowners. Reported numbers are nominal values for 

the years indicated, i.e., not adjusted or indexed for inflation. 

PESTICIDE USAGE: Refers to actual applications of pesticides, generally in terms of quantity applied or units 

treated. 

PRIVATE APPLICATOR: A category of applicator certification for farmers and/or employees, such that they 

can legally apply restricted-use pesticides or supervise others doing so who are not certified. 

PROFESSIONAL MARKET: Sales of pesticides for application to industrial/commercial/governmental sectors, 

and to homes and gardens, by certified/commercial applicators. 

PROPRIETARY DATA: Pesticide industry market research data that EPA purchases from private data research 

companies. These data are for EPA use only and cannot be divulged without vendor consent. Companies include Doane Marketing Research, Inc.; Kline and Company, Inc.; SRI, Inc.; Wood Mackenzie; and Mike Bukley, Inc. 

SAFER PESTICIDES: Pesticides designated as “safer” (or “reduced risk”) by EPA exhibit favorable characteristics affecting health or environmental risks, resistance management, and integrated pest management. Reducedrisk pesticides may be conventional pesticides posing less risk, or biopesticides with unique modes of action, low 

use volume, lower toxicity, target species specificity, or natural occurrence. 

SPECIALTY BIOCIDES: This report provides estimates for end uses as follows: swimming pools, spas, and 

industrial water treatment (excluding chlorine/hypochlorites, which are reported separately); disinfectants and 

sanitizers (including industrial/institutional applications and household cleaning products); and other specialty 

biocides (including biocides for adhesives and sealants, leather, synthetic latex polymers, metal-working fluids, 

paints and coatings, petroleum products, plastics, and textiles). These categories of end usage are covered by 

FIFRA. Other end uses of specialty biocides (e.g., hospital/medical antiseptics, food/feed preservatives, cosmetics/toiletries) are regulated under FFDCA and are not covered in this report. 

TOLERANCE: The maximum amount of a pesticide allowable in a food or feed product before it is considered 

adulterated, usually specified in parts per million. 

USDA/FATUS: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Trade of U.S. Publicly available data 

on U.S. agricultural imports and exports (http://www.ers.usda.gov/db/fatus). 

USDA NASS: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Publicly available 

data on U.S. agricultural pesticide use (http://www.uda.gov/nass/). 

WOOD PRESERVATIVES: Pesticide active ingredients used in treatment of wood to protect it from insects, 

fungi, and other pests. This report presents total usage of wood preservative chemicals in industrial plants, the 

bulk of which is for pressure treatment. The major categories of pesticide chemicals included in this report as 

industrial wood preservatives are water-borne preservatives (mainly CCA), oil-borne preservatives (e.g., copper 

naphthenate and pentachlorophenol), creosote, creosote-coal tar, and creosote petroleum. 

1998 and 1999 Market Estimates—Page 33 

United States Environmental Protection Agency 

Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (7503C) 

EPA-733-R-02-001 

www.epa.gov/pesticides 

August 2002