09/13/06 Onion field investigations continues

Idaho and Oregon investigations are underway into the possible use of a pesticide to control thrips in onion fields. The pesticide carbofuran is sold under the brand name Furadan but the EPA had put it on its phase out list. Idaho Department of Agriculture's Wayne Hoffman says investigators have been checking onion fields for the past week or so. HOFFMAN "Using Furadan in onions is considered an off label use that would be subject to a penalty of up to three thousand dollars in Idaho." It's a one thousand dollar maximum fine in Oregon. Any crop that was treated will also be embargoed. Hoffman says the Idaho and Malheur county onion grower associations are cooperating in the investigation which also involves area packing sheds. HOFFMAN "Packer shippers in Idaho and Oregon put in place a testing protocol that says we're going to run a sample from an onion lot as the case may be to verify or discount the use of this chemical. Pressure from thrips was very high this summer thanks to the hottest July in over 130 years.. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott