By Brett Bultemeier
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of two articles on pesticide label changes related to the Endangered Species Act.
Many growers have probably heard rumblings about various strategies, pesticide use limitation areas, endangered species and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While there have been lots of updates and much information swirling around, there is now a much clearer picture of how all this will impact growers. Certainly, there are changes to come and nobody knows what the regulatory environment will be, but we can be ready for whatever may come.
The first and most important step is: Read and follow the label! You have heard it before — “The label is the law.” The label tells what personal protective equipment to wear, how much product to use, and now how to follow the Endangered Species Act (ESA). However, there are some differences in what you need to do beyond just reading the label.
Brett Bultemeier is the director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Pesticide Information Office.
CALLOUT: Don’t miss the digital edition of this issue to see a video with more information about label changes. Click here.