New Pesticide Safety Rules

Orchardists and other ag producers may be subject to some new EPA rules. EPA has announced proposed revisions to its Worker Protection Standard in order to protect the nation's two million farm workers and their families from pesticide exposure. Lacy Gray has more.

GRAY: EPA's proposed changes include: Increased frequency of mandatory trainings.

Expanded mandatory posting of no-entry signs for the most hazardous pesticides; the signs prohibit entry into pesticide-treated fields until residues decline to a safe level.

A first time-ever minimum age requirement: Children under 16 will be prohibited from handling pesticides, with an exemption for family farms.

Another change is no-entry to buffer areas surrounding pesticide-treated fields.

Personal Protection Equipment must be consistent with the OSHA standards.

Information specific to the pesticide application will be made available, including the pesticide label and Safety Data Sheets.

Thanks Lacy. EPA estimates that the changes would cost industry between $67 million and $87 million to implement and maintain. The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register in early March. Once the rules are posted, the 90 day comment period will begin. The EPA is seeking public comments on the proposed changes before making a final decision.

That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.