This Week, IFCA submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its Herbicide Strategy Plan. The comment period on the Draft Herbicide Strategy Framework will close on Sunday, October 22^nd. It is critically important that our members have their voices heard prior to the comment closing period as this could substantially change the nature in how we apply crop protection products in the U.S. The workplan outlines steps the agency is taking to increase protections for endangered species and provide regulatory certainty for pesticide users.

 

EPA has proposed a list of mitigation measures that they will include on future pesticide labels. The measures include conservation practices and other restrictions to reduce pesticide movement via surface runoff, erosion, and spray drift. IFCA has asked for clarity regarding several issues with the proposed strategy.

 

Click Here to read IFCA’s comment letter.

 

For more relevant information and explanation of the issues with the strategy, click here to be redirected to a webinar hosted by IFCA President KJ Johnson and Dr. Aaron Hager, University of Illinois Extension Weed Science Specialist.

 

 

Provided below is verbiage you can submit on behalf of your company pertaining to the strategy:

 

"I am concerned about EPA’s Draft Herbicide Strategy, as it will limit the use of herbicides in Illinois and across the country. ( Company Name ) urges EPA to work with ag retailers and agricultural producers, ag organizations for reasonable solutions to address threatened and endangered species concerns.

 

Growers located in pesticide use limitation areas – or PULAs, could be subject to even greater restrictions. Many of the proposed restrictions will be unworkable for ag retailers."

 

Click here to read the Draft Herbicide Strategy Framework.