Key Insights
The North American crop protection chemicals market, comprising insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and specialty products, is a robust sector poised for expansion. Driven by heightened pest and disease pressure attributed to climate change and evolving agricultural practices, the market is projected to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.6%. This growth is underpinned by the escalating demand for enhanced crop yields to satisfy global nutritional needs and the increasing integration of precision agriculture technologies. The market is segmented by product type, application method, and crop classification. Leading entities are actively investing in research and development to introduce more effective and sustainable crop protection solutions. The United States represents the largest market share within North America, followed by Canada and Mexico. Key growth drivers include regulatory support for sustainable agriculture and innovation in formulation technologies. Potential challenges involve stringent regulations, consumer apprehension regarding pesticide residues, and the growing adoption of biopesticides and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, signaling a forthcoming shift towards eco-friendly solutions.
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Market Size (In Billion)
Regional market dynamics in North America are shaped by distinct agricultural practices and regulatory environments. Large-scale farming operations in the United States significantly influence market demand. Canada and Mexico, though smaller markets, are experiencing growth facilitated by expanding agricultural output and government initiatives promoting sustainable farming. Market segments categorized by application mode and crop type exhibit varied growth trajectories, reflecting the specific requirements of diverse crops and cultivation techniques. For instance, demand for seed treatment and soil treatment products is expected to rise due to their efficacy. Furthermore, a heightened focus on high-value commercial crops, such as fruits and vegetables, is anticipated to fuel market expansion in these sub-segments. Continuous innovation in product formulations and application technologies is a key determinant of the long-term trajectory of the North American crop protection chemicals market.
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Company Market Share
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Market Report: Key Insights and Forecasts
This comprehensive industry report provides an in-depth analysis of the North American crop protection chemicals market from 2019 to 2033. It delivers critical insights into market size, segmentation, growth catalysts, challenges, competitive landscape, and future outlook, enabling informed strategic decision-making. The analysis is based on extensive primary and secondary research, integrating real-world data and expert perspectives to offer actionable intelligence. The base year for this assessment is 2024, with a forecast period extending to 2033, and historical data spanning 2019-2024. The estimated market size is 76.18 billion by 2033.
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Market Structure & Competitive Dynamics
The North American crop protection chemicals market is characterized by a moderately concentrated structure, with a few multinational corporations holding significant market share. Key players like FMC Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd, Bayer AG, Syngenta Group, Corteva Agriscience, BASF SE, UPL Limited, and ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd. dominate the landscape. Market concentration is influenced by factors including economies of scale, R&D capabilities, and extensive distribution networks. The industry witnesses continuous innovation, with companies investing heavily in developing new chemistries to address evolving pest resistance and consumer demand for sustainable solutions.
Regulatory frameworks, such as the EPA's stringent registration processes in the US and Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) regulations in Canada, significantly impact market entry and product lifecycle. The increasing prevalence of biopesticides and biological control agents presents a growing challenge to traditional chemical-based products, acting as a significant product substitute. End-user trends, particularly towards sustainable and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, are driving demand for innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. The industry has witnessed several mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in recent years, with deal values reaching xx Million in 2024. These M&A activities aim to consolidate market share, expand product portfolios, and enhance technological capabilities. Examples include (but are not limited to) the acquisition of xx by xx for xx Million in xx.
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Industry Trends & Insights
The North American crop protection chemicals market is projected to experience a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by several key factors. Increasing global population and rising demand for food security are primary growth stimulants, necessitating higher crop yields and robust crop protection measures. Technological advancements, such as precision agriculture and digital farming technologies, are enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of crop protection solutions, further driving market growth. Consumer preferences are shifting towards environmentally friendly and sustainable crop protection products, creating opportunities for biopesticides and other eco-friendly alternatives. Market penetration of biopesticides remains relatively low, but it's expected to increase significantly over the forecast period due to heightened regulatory scrutiny on chemical pesticides and growing consumer awareness of environmental concerns. Competitive dynamics remain intense, with companies focusing on innovation, product differentiation, and strategic partnerships to gain a competitive edge. The increasing adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices across diverse crop types is expected to boost the market's overall growth during the next decade.
Dominant Markets & Segments in North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry
The United States represents the largest market within North America, followed by Canada and Mexico. Within the functional segments, herbicides dominate the market due to their widespread application across various crops and their efficacy in managing weed competition. Insecticides follow closely, addressing insect pest issues impacting crop yield and quality.
- Key Drivers for US Dominance: Large agricultural land area, advanced farming technologies, robust research & development activities, and favorable government policies supporting agricultural productivity.
- Key Drivers for Canadian Market: Significant grain and oilseed production, stringent environmental regulations driving demand for sustainable solutions, and government support for agricultural innovation.
- Key Drivers for Mexican Market: Growing domestic agricultural production, increasing demand for high-quality fruits and vegetables, and a focus on improving crop yields.
By application mode, foliar application remains the most prevalent method due to its ease of use and broad applicability. However, seed treatment and chemigation are experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in technology and the need for targeted pesticide application. In terms of crop type, grains and cereals comprise the largest segment, followed by fruits & vegetables and pulses & oilseeds. The turf & ornamental segment is expected to showcase robust growth due to increasing urbanization and the rising demand for aesthetically pleasing landscapes.
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Product Innovations
Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in crop protection chemicals, including the development of novel formulations, targeted delivery systems, and more environmentally friendly products. Companies are increasingly focusing on developing products with enhanced efficacy, reduced environmental impact, and improved safety profiles. Technological trends such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and AI-powered precision agriculture are significantly influencing product innovation. This includes the development of biopesticides, smart sprays and precision application methods enhancing the overall effectiveness and reducing environmental impact of crop protection solutions. Market fit is driven by the specific needs of different crops, pest pressures, and regulatory constraints.
Report Segmentation & Scope
This report segments the North America crop protection chemicals market across several dimensions:
- By Function: Fungicide, Herbicide, Insecticide, Molluscicide, Nematicide. Herbicides are projected to maintain the largest market share, followed by insecticides and fungicides.
- By Application Mode: Chemigation, Foliar, Fumigation, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment. Foliar application will remain dominant; however, seed treatment is expected to experience the fastest growth.
- By Crop Type: Commercial Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Grains & Cereals, Pulses & Oilseeds, Turf & Ornamental. Grains & Cereals represent the largest segment.
- By Country: United States, Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America. The US holds the largest market share.
Each segment's growth projections, market size estimations, and competitive dynamics are thoroughly analyzed within the report.
Key Drivers of North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Growth
Several factors contribute to the growth of the North American crop protection chemicals market. These include:
- Rising Global Food Demand: The growing global population necessitates increased crop production to meet food security needs, creating substantial demand for effective crop protection solutions.
- Technological Advancements: Precision agriculture technologies and improved formulation techniques enhance the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of crop protection products.
- Government Support: Policies promoting agricultural development and innovation stimulate investment in crop protection research and deployment.
- Increasing Pest Resistance: The evolution of pest resistance to existing pesticides fuels the demand for new and innovative solutions.
Challenges in the North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Sector
The industry faces several challenges:
- Stringent Regulations: Strict environmental regulations and safety standards increase the cost and time required for product registration and approval.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain volatility can impact the availability and cost of raw materials, impacting production and pricing.
- Pest Resistance: The development of resistance in pest populations necessitates continuous innovation and the development of new effective products.
- Public Perception: Negative public perception of synthetic pesticides drives the demand for more sustainable alternatives.
Leading Players in the North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Market
- FMC Corporation
- Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd
- American Vanguard Corporation
- ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd
- Bayer AG
- UPL Limited
- Syngenta Group
- Corteva Agriscience
- Nufarm Ltd
- BASF SE
Key Developments in North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Sector
- July 2023: ADAMA introduced new products, Davai A Plus and Clearfield Broad-Spectrum Herbicide Solutions, expanding its offerings for imidazolinone-tolerant legumes. This strengthens ADAMA’s position in the legume crop protection market.
- April 2023: Nufarm launched Tourney EZ, a new liquid formulation fungicide for turf and ornamental crops, addressing customer demand and reinforcing its market presence in this specific niche.
- March 2023: AMVAC launched a portfolio of herbicides, including Impact Core and Sinate, aiming to combat herbicide-resistant weeds in maize, a crucial development in addressing a significant agricultural challenge.
Strategic North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Market Outlook
The North American crop protection chemicals market presents significant growth potential, fueled by increasing food demands, technological advancements, and evolving pest dynamics. Strategic opportunities exist in developing sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, investing in precision agriculture technologies, and expanding into niche markets such as organic farming and specialty crops. Companies focusing on innovation, effective regulatory navigation, and strong supply chain management will be best positioned to capitalize on future market expansion.
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Segmentation
-
1. Function
- 1.1. Fungicide
- 1.2. Herbicide
- 1.3. Insecticide
- 1.4. Molluscicide
- 1.5. Nematicide
-
2. Application Mode
- 2.1. Chemigation
- 2.2. Foliar
- 2.3. Fumigation
- 2.4. Seed Treatment
- 2.5. Soil Treatment
-
3. Crop Type
- 3.1. Commercial Crops
- 3.2. Fruits & Vegetables
- 3.3. Grains & Cereals
- 3.4. Pulses & Oilseeds
- 3.5. Turf & Ornamental
-
4. Function
- 4.1. Fungicide
- 4.2. Herbicide
- 4.3. Insecticide
- 4.4. Molluscicide
- 4.5. Nematicide
-
5. Application Mode
- 5.1. Chemigation
- 5.2. Foliar
- 5.3. Fumigation
- 5.4. Seed Treatment
- 5.5. Soil Treatment
-
6. Crop Type
- 6.1. Commercial Crops
- 6.2. Fruits & Vegetables
- 6.3. Grains & Cereals
- 6.4. Pulses & Oilseeds
- 6.5. Turf & Ornamental
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Segmentation By Geography
-
1. North America
- 1.1. United States
- 1.2. Canada
- 1.3. Mexico
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Regional Market Share
Geographic Coverage of North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry
North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2020-2034 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Estimated Year | 2026 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2034 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 4.6% from 2020-2034 |
| Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Seed Treatment As A Solution To Enhance Yield; Growing Awareness For Seed Treatment Among The Farmers; Rising Trend Of Organic Farming
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Limitations Across Farm-Level Seed Treatment; Rising Environmental Concerns
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. The United States dominated the market due to the increased demand to protect crops from pests and diseases
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Function
- 5.1.1. Fungicide
- 5.1.2. Herbicide
- 5.1.3. Insecticide
- 5.1.4. Molluscicide
- 5.1.5. Nematicide
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application Mode
- 5.2.1. Chemigation
- 5.2.2. Foliar
- 5.2.3. Fumigation
- 5.2.4. Seed Treatment
- 5.2.5. Soil Treatment
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Crop Type
- 5.3.1. Commercial Crops
- 5.3.2. Fruits & Vegetables
- 5.3.3. Grains & Cereals
- 5.3.4. Pulses & Oilseeds
- 5.3.5. Turf & Ornamental
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Function
- 5.4.1. Fungicide
- 5.4.2. Herbicide
- 5.4.3. Insecticide
- 5.4.4. Molluscicide
- 5.4.5. Nematicide
- 5.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application Mode
- 5.5.1. Chemigation
- 5.5.2. Foliar
- 5.5.3. Fumigation
- 5.5.4. Seed Treatment
- 5.5.5. Soil Treatment
- 5.6. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Crop Type
- 5.6.1. Commercial Crops
- 5.6.2. Fruits & Vegetables
- 5.6.3. Grains & Cereals
- 5.6.4. Pulses & Oilseeds
- 5.6.5. Turf & Ornamental
- 5.7. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.7.1. North America
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Function
- 6. Competitive Analysis
- 6.1. Market Share Analysis 2025
- 6.2. Company Profiles
- 6.2.1 FMC Corporation
- 6.2.1.1. Overview
- 6.2.1.2. Products
- 6.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.2 Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd
- 6.2.2.1. Overview
- 6.2.2.2. Products
- 6.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.3 American Vanguard Corporation
- 6.2.3.1. Overview
- 6.2.3.2. Products
- 6.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.4 ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd
- 6.2.4.1. Overview
- 6.2.4.2. Products
- 6.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.5 Bayer AG
- 6.2.5.1. Overview
- 6.2.5.2. Products
- 6.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.6 UPL Limite
- 6.2.6.1. Overview
- 6.2.6.2. Products
- 6.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.7 Syngenta Group
- 6.2.7.1. Overview
- 6.2.7.2. Products
- 6.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.8 Corteva Agriscience
- 6.2.8.1. Overview
- 6.2.8.2. Products
- 6.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.9 Nufarm Ltd
- 6.2.9.1. Overview
- 6.2.9.2. Products
- 6.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.10 BASF SE
- 6.2.10.1. Overview
- 6.2.10.2. Products
- 6.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 6.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 6.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.1 FMC Corporation
List of Figures
- Figure 1: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue Breakdown (billion, %) by Product 2025 & 2033
- Figure 2: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Share (%) by Company 2025
List of Tables
- Table 1: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Function 2020 & 2033
- Table 2: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Function 2020 & 2033
- Table 3: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Application Mode 2020 & 2033
- Table 4: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Application Mode 2020 & 2033
- Table 5: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Crop Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 6: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Crop Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 7: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Function 2020 & 2033
- Table 8: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Function 2020 & 2033
- Table 9: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Application Mode 2020 & 2033
- Table 10: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Application Mode 2020 & 2033
- Table 11: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Crop Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 12: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Crop Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 13: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Region 2020 & 2033
- Table 14: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Region 2020 & 2033
- Table 15: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Function 2020 & 2033
- Table 16: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Function 2020 & 2033
- Table 17: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Application Mode 2020 & 2033
- Table 18: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Application Mode 2020 & 2033
- Table 19: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Crop Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 20: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Crop Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 21: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Function 2020 & 2033
- Table 22: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Function 2020 & 2033
- Table 23: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Application Mode 2020 & 2033
- Table 24: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Application Mode 2020 & 2033
- Table 25: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Crop Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 26: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Crop Type 2020 & 2033
- Table 27: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue billion Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 28: North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume Kiloton Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 29: United States North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue (billion) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 30: United States North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 31: Canada North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue (billion) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 32: Canada North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 33: Mexico North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Revenue (billion) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 34: Mexico North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Volume (Kiloton) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately 4.6%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry?
Key companies in the market include FMC Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd, American Vanguard Corporation, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd, Bayer AG, UPL Limite, Syngenta Group, Corteva Agriscience, Nufarm Ltd, BASF SE.
3. What are the main segments of the North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry?
The market segments include Function, Application Mode, Crop Type, Function, Application Mode, Crop Type.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD 76.18 billion as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Seed Treatment As A Solution To Enhance Yield; Growing Awareness For Seed Treatment Among The Farmers; Rising Trend Of Organic Farming.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
The United States dominated the market due to the increased demand to protect crops from pests and diseases.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Limitations Across Farm-Level Seed Treatment; Rising Environmental Concerns.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
July 2023: ADAMA introduced new products, Davai A Plus and Clearfield Broad-Spectrum Herbicide Solutions, for imidazolinone-tolerant legumes like lentils, peas, and soybeans.April 2023: Nufarm launched a new liquid formulation fungicide, Tourney EZ, exclusively for turf and ornamental crops based on customer demand, which further strengthens the company's role in turf and ornamental crop protection.March 2023: AMVAC launched a portfolio of herbicides, including Impact Core and Sinate, to combat weed resistance in maize.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 3800, USD 4500, and USD 5800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in billion and volume, measured in Kiloton.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Crop Protection Chemicals Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database
Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)
Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations
Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence