07/17/08 Spud fumigants

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new safety measures for soil fumigants used by Idaho potato growers. The 60 day comment period begins today with the proposals being printed in the Federal Register. Fumigants like methyl bromide, metam sodium and metam potassium are among the compounds that will become classified as restricted-us pesticides. EPA's Steven Bradbury says its all about safety. BRADBURY "Increased protection for agricultural workers and bystanders while at the same time insuring that the practical measures put in place to insure that the benefits of these products is still realized by producers." Bradbury says developing a fumigant management plan is one important component. Another important component is that the agency is requiring that buffer zones be employed around the application sites. BRADBURY "We worked very closed with producers in the Pacific Northwest as well as the registrants in exploring a number of options and approaches that fed into our risk mitigation decisions." There are also requirements for product registrants for education of applicators and community members. Bradbury says it will probably be 2010 before the measures will be effective on new labels. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott