Sulphur Speaks for Itself: The Sulphur Association Is Born
The association, whose founding members are the companies Azufrera y Fertilizantes Pallares, S.
The association, whose founding members are Azufrera y Fertilizantes Pallares, S.A.U., Julio Cabrero y Cía., S.L. and Productos AJF, S.L., was established to defend the interests of its members and promote the use of sulphur in a wide range of industries, including agriculture.
Sulphur stands out for its multiple applications in agriculture, particularly as a plant protection product thanks to its fungicidal and acaricidal properties for crop protection. Powdered sulphur, in particular, helps naturally optimize the plant’s defence mechanisms, thereby generating a gradual and long-lasting improvement in its immune system. In addition, this type of sulphur is one of the substances whose use is expressly provided for under European Union Council Regulation 889/2008 on organic production and the labelling and control of organic products. Its use is therefore highly recommended for the plant protection treatment of agricultural production with official organic certification.
However, despite its numerous and proven benefits, the sector has become increasingly concerned about the restrictions imposed by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on sulphur dust for dusting (DP) following its registration under the Uniform Principles. By contrast, dusting sulphur is registered throughout Europe and recognized worldwide, without any such restrictions. This is demonstrated by the more than 100 registrations in different countries worldwide held by Spain’s sulphur producers.
Against this backdrop, the non-profit organization Sulphur Association was established to defend the interests of companies producing powdered sulphur, as well as those of users of products based on this raw material. The association is supported by Spain’s leading sulphur producers — Azufrera y Fertilizantes Pallares, S.A.U., Julio Cabrero y Cía. S.L.and Productos AJF, S.L. — and its objectives include promoting the use of sulphur in various sectors where this raw material has significant application potential, such as agriculture; conducting studies on its applications, uses and impact; actively participating in public policy and decision-making processes; and representing its members before public authorities.
Representatives of the newly established association stated: “Sulphur has been a key product in agriculture since its beginnings in Roman times, and sulphur-based plant protection products have been registered since 1976. Throughout all these years, it has proven to be an environmentally sustainable and highly effective product against mites and powdery mildew in a wide variety of crops, particularly vineyards.” They added: “It has never developed resistance and is a natural mineral that can be found in nature every day. It is the best-selling plant protection product in Europe and worldwide, and Spain is the world’s leading power in terms of production capacity.”
Sulphur Association, established in 2019, is an organization bringing together Spain’s leading sulphur producers. Its objectives include promoting the use of sulphur in various sectors where this raw material has significant application potential, such as agriculture, and representing its members before public authorities in defence of their interests.
To achieve these objectives, Sulphur Association carries out activities such as organizing training sessions and conferences on sulphur, collaborating with universities and technology centres on studies related to this raw material, promoting stable and effective communication with public authorities through public-private collaboration, and conducting advertising campaigns in Spain and the European Union highlighting the benefits of sulphur, among other initiatives.
