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Ag chemical practices under attack in Illinois

By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Aerial applications of crop protection products came under intense scrutiny in Illinois and other states in 2009, setting the stage for new, more stringent legislation affecting farmers and applicators in 2010.

In the Land of Lincoln, concern over chemical drift from aerial applications compelled Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign), chair of the state’s Agriculture Committee, to form a special Subcommittee on Fertilizers and Chemicals last fall to study the issue and propose legislation during the next session of the Illinois Senate.

The legislation, as it stands today, could result in aerial applicators and farmers being required to give their rural neighbors at least 24 hours prior notification before spraying, among other new regulations.

“The issue will be taken up during the next legislative session in January or February of 2010,” Ian Watts, a spokesperson for Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria), chair of the special subcommittee, reported last week. “At that time there may be additional hearings and new legislation could be introduced.” 

Koehler, along with Rep. Dan Moffitt (R-Gilson), had been contacted in 2008 by rural constituents as well as those in the organic farming industry and vintners who claimed careless aerial spraying of crop protection products had damaged their crops. One rural couple claimed their children had been misted with an herbicide while playing in their yard.

A special hearing was called for Oct. 1 in Springfield, where lawmakers met with complainants, conventional farmers, experts from various state agencies and universities and those in the chemical and aerial applications industries to hear testimony on the issue of chemical drift.

Dozens attended the hearing, which resulted in the pledge by Frerichs to draft new legislation regulating the state’s aerial applications industry in 2010.

“I was heartened to see some agreement at this initial meeting,” Koehler stated following the hearing. “I intend to work with my fellow legislators and the communities involved to find a mutually acceptable means of improving communication.

Any acceptable solution will protect both Illinois’ extremely productive conventional farmers and its burgeoning specialty farm industry.”

Both sides agreed that better communication is the key to preventing future problems, according to Koehler.

BASF unveils best practices
While the aerial applications industry is currently the focus of many anti-agriculture groups and individuals – as well as some mainstream print and media outlets – BASF’s Crop Protection division recently revealed their new “best practices” recommendations for optimizing applications while minimizing drift and other non-target incidents. Promoting stewardship for the industry was also a major focus of the report.

Gleaned by working hand-in-hand with aerial applicators, the findings were the topic of a presentation by BASF officials during the National Agricultural Aviation Association’s (NAAA) 43rd annual convention, held Dec. 8-10.

“This information is valuable for applicators looking for ways to meet the many challenges facing them in their industry by making informed decisions about their aircraft and operation,” said Jim Gaffney, BASF technical market manager, in a news release describing the company’s findings.

BASF’s best practices review helped identify standards that applicators can draw from when determining route visibility, obstacles and wind direction. Past studies regarding the evaluation of application volume, equipment, droplet size and coverage for impact on efficacy and drift potential, as well as efficiency for the operator, were reviewed and adjusted as part of the review. An evaluation of how to improve participation in the Operation Self-Regulating Application and Flight Efficiency (S.A.F.E.) workshops and other industry programs were also examined as part of BASF’ research.

“Based on the results of these evaluations and initiatives, we believe the agricultural aviation industry has the tools and technology available to help meet the needs and expectations of a diverse group of customers, which include growers, regulators and the public,” Gaffney concluded.

A review of BASF’s recent best practices research findings can be viewed at www.plant-health-pilots.com

In addition, the NAAA recently announced they have made an educational video, “Aerial Application’s Growing Role,” available for viewing on YouTube.

As the NAAA’s first foray into the world of social media, the video is designed to serve as a way to promote the aerial application industry to the public and recruit new pilots into the field.
The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/AgAviationNAAA

12/23/2009