EPA proposes phase-out of popular pesticidePublished on 08/14/2006The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a phase-out of a pesticide used by many fruit growers in Ohio. EPA claims azinphos-methyl (AZM) is a pesticide that poses potential risks to farm workers, pesticide applicators and aquatic ecosystems, while also providing important pest control benefits to growers of apples and other crops. By 2007, EPA wants to phase out AZM on almonds, brussels spouts, pistachios, walnuts and nursery stock. EPA is proposing to phase out uses of AZM on apples, blueberries, cherries, parsley and pears by 2010. Farm Bureau is meeting with the agency to see if there's a way to preserve some uses of the pesticide. | |