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Farmers and applicators should plan ESA compliance now ahead of spring spraying

The president and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association says farmers and applicators preparing to spray pesticides this spring should start planning their Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance now.

Darren Coppock says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted applicators an important six-month window. 

“Between when the application actually occurs and when you have to have looked up on EPA’s what they call ‘Bulletins Live 2’ to see if there are any supplemental requirements on that chemistry.”  He says, “So, you document that you’ve checked that and you’re clear for six months.”

He tells Brownfield, “Even if there’s a new requirement that comes on in March, you’re still clear because you checked within that six-month window.”  He says, “And so, if I was doing that, I would be documenting all of those right now so that when it’s time to spray in the spring, I’m ready to go.”

While only a few chemistry labels currently fall under the regulation, Coppock says as more pesticides are released, or re-authorized, through EPA’s new ESA guidance, it’s increasingly important for applicators to be educated on procedures and clearly document compliance.

Brownfield spoke with Coppock at the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association’s annual convention in Peoria.

AUDIO: Darren Coppock – Agricultural Retailers Association