NCGA Believes EPA’s Proposed Carbofuran Ruling Goes Too Far (08/14/08)
The National Corn Growers Association is concerned about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to revoke food tolerances for carbofuran, an important pesticide used to control corn rootworm. The EPA’s proposal would be a first step toward total cancellation of the product in the United States.
“Many growers say this is a critical tool for controlling corn rootworm when needed after the crop emerges,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer. “We believe an outright ban goes too far, and hope that the industry can convince the EPA to allow for at least a limited use of this pesticide for protecting our nation's corn supply.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of agriculture recognized the importance of carbofuran and asked EPA to conduct a crop-by-crop risk-benefit analysis to minimize exposure.
“USDA has concluded that despite its limited use, carbofuran is an economically important resource for agriculture,” Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer wrote in a March 24 letter to the EPA. “USDA requests that EPA consider alternatives other than complete cancellation of all uses of carbofuran that could mitigate the risks to acceptable levels.”
Visit http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/carbofuran/carbofuran_noic.htm for more information on the EPA's proposed pesticide tolerance revocation. There is a 60-day public comment period and NCGA is preparing a formal response.
