Background of Research
It is essential that crop protection materials help prevent diseases in farm products in order to maintain productivity and quality. There are two sides to chemical pesticides because they can cause pollution with high levels of toxicity. It is essential to secure the safety of crop protection materials for eco-friendly agriculture.
The main goal of this research is to analyze the current issues related to crop protection materials, that is, from production to consumption, and then suggest management improvement plans for safe use and disposal of crop protection materials.

Method of Research
This study investigated test laboratories and manufacturing companies of crop protection materials including biological control agents. Questionnaire and field surveys of labeling experts, farmers, academic researchers and industry professionals were conducted. Also, an economic analysis was carried out using a variety of analytical methods such as Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP), Bruce Merrifield-Ohe(BMO), IPA(Importance-Performance Analysis), and the actual inspection guideline of Rural Development Administration.

Research Results and Implications
According to the research results, the improvement plans are as follows:
First, crop protection materials test laboratories are in cutthroat competition against each other and the problem is that they are poorly managed and their management is unsystematic. Therefore, the government should strictly manage and provide policy support to the test laboratories. It is a matter of urgency that operating guidelines are provided and disseminated to them for widespread use.
Second, the issue facing the manufacturing companies is that although their awareness of safety is rather high as they recognize the importance of developing new biological and low toxic pesticides, Korea's technology level is low compared to developed countries and the burden of developing new technologies is too high for them. They express that the government should provide aid for R&D and training of technical experts.
Third, labeling of crop protection materials is incoherent among manufacturers and containers. In many cases, labeling was not properly carried out both in terms of form and content, and it does not provide important information efficiently. Thus, there is a need to reorganize the labeling system and standardize the labels.
Fourth, the government should provide incentives and education programs to farmers and at the same time engage in PR activities so that they can better comply with the regulations.
Fifth, farmers should strive to minimize the pollution of surrounding areas of their farms when they spray crop protection materials. Korea needs to prepare regulations and guidelines for airplane spraying before it becomes widely used. In addition, incentives should be expanded to induce farmers to report their use of the chemicals when using small amount. As in developed countries, the government should strengthen the regulations on small amount use of the chemicals and provide incentives and support.
Finally, in order to relieve the inconvenience farmers experience during the management stage, a systematic collection system should be set up to pick up empty containers and dispose the residuals. In this regard, the government should take the lead and raise the awareness of farmers and manufacturers on the need to collect empty containers and dispose the residuals.


Researchers: Chang-Yong Kang, Hye-Sung Han.
E-mail address: cykang@krei.re.kr, funny1978@krei.re.kr.