SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As farmers apply nitrogen to their fields and plan for a spring application, the security of their tanks is a concern. This goes double for agrichemical companies that make it a priority to keep the product out of the hands of methamphetamine dealers.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has taken steps to reduce the risk of fertilizer reaching the hands of those who manufacture the deadly and highly addictive drug, known as methamphetamine, by awarding nearly $140,000 in grants to help 35 west central Illinois agrichemical dealers. The Anhydrous Ammonia Security Grant Initiative is a self-help program that allows dealers to determine their own security needs and then reimburses them for up to two-thirds of the cost of their improvements.

“The fertilizer dealers in Illinois certainly appreciate the funding as well as the flexibility that the State of Illinois has provided in this security grant program,” said Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Assoc. “This program not only provides financial assistance so that ammonia dealers can purchase sophisticated security devices, special tank locks and ammonia additives, but also gives the dealers the opportunity to choose which devices will work best for their particular situation. The funds will help alleviate the economic impact of ammonia theft on the agribusiness industry as it strives to protect ammonia facilities and keep this valuable nitrogen fertilizer available and affordable to Illinois farmers.”

Blagojevich said it is important to reduce the opportunity meth manufacturers have to acquire the agricultural chemical they use to produce this drug.

“Methamphetamine is one of the fastest growing and most addictive drugs, especially in downstate communities,” Blagojevich said. “It ravages users, families and households and neighborhoods where it’s made and sold. These grants will help keep a key ingredient to making meth out of the hands of manufacturers.”

With funds being used to help agrichemical dealers tighten security at their facilities, perhaps they can reduce theft. “This is a logical next step in our fight to deter individuals who steal anhydrous ammonia to make methamphetamine,” said Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, who is the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee chairman. “By working with agri-businesses we can prevent the theft of anhydrous and decrease the amount of meth made.”

Besides the grants, the governor also announced the new pilot program is being expanded statewide.

“The pilot program intentionally targeted facilities in 21 counties where the meth problem is most acute,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Chuck Hartke. “The plan now is to open the program to dealers throughout the state and award additional grants next spring when anhydrous ammonia is applied again to farm fields.”

About $1.4 million is available for the second round of grants. But agrichemical dealers need to submit their applications by Feb. 1, 2007. The IDOA said all Illinois businesses that sell and distribute anhydrous ammonia for agricultural purposes are eligible.

Application forms and program rules can be obtained by calling the IDOA’s Bureau of Ag Products Inspection at 217-782-3817 or visit the agency’s website at www.agr.state.il.us

This farm news was published in the Dec. 13, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.