Pesticide Stewardship

Issue
Crop protectants are an essential tool in the farmer’s toolkit that need to remain effective through educated and judicious use.

Background
The Maryland legislature has seen at least one bill each year aimed at banning crop protectants, including proposed bans on atrazine, noenicitinoids, and chlorpyrifos. The primary concern in these bills is the belief that the pesticides are not being used properly and there is unnecessary exposure to neighbors and workers.

There has also been issues with drift and crop loss. Formerly a farmer to farmer issue, drift issues are now becoming common with the spraying of homeowner yards near farmland. This damage has been costly for farmers.

Position
Maryland Farm Bureau believes crop protectant regulations should be determined based on peer-reviewed science, not fear. We oppose regulations being created or restricted at the state level.

Additional Resources
U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance 
GMO Answers 
Pesticide Stewardship 
NSF Center for Integrated Pest Management
EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
Crop Protection Stewardship
The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance
NACAA Pesticide Stewardship

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