Ag Chemicals

1. Fertilizer Regulation

We support efforts to ensure delivery of bulk fertilizer loads, with a financial penalty for deficient fertilizer. We continue to support unrestricted field sampling of fertilizer at no increased cost to the farmer. We oppose any efforts to allow the sale of unregulated fertilizer.

We oppose additional taxes being placed on fertilizer unless the state assumes the responsibility for mitigation. We support maintaining the Fertilizer Technical Council's current structure.

We should work with other agricultural organizations to resolve agricultural problems with liabilities related to soil and water contamination resulting from the use of chemicals and fertilizers. (PEANUT/COTTON)

2. Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA)

We believe in a pesticide regulatory standard that is protective of human health and the environment. Responsible pest management, which includes the judicious use of pest control materials, provides significant societal health benefits. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should implement FQPA openly and scientifically using reliable information. EPA has the obligation to acknowledge that pesticides registered under FQPA are recognized as safe.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation should use every means possible to force modification or improvement of the FQPA so as to use sound science and economically viable methods of enforcement and implementation so as not to create undue hardship on Florida growers.

We should actively seek the reinstatement of crop protection products that have had uses taken off the label. (OVERSIGHT)

3. Methyl Bromide

We support the continued use of methyl bromide and other agricultural chemicals that currently have no viable alternatives. We further encourage research funded through state and federal agencies, as well as private associations, to find viable alternatives for Methyl Bromide.

To be competitive, U.S. farmers must be allowed at least the same amount of time to use Methyl Bromide as agribusinesses are provided in developing countries. (VEG)

4. Pesticide Management

We support mandatory record keeping of all pesticides used in Florida provided that individual producer’s records are treated as confidential business records.

All other state agencies must have sufficient cause to require the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to show producer records. Producers shall be notified by FDACS when other agencies request such records.

We encourage pesticide users to voluntarily implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. (OVERSIGHT)

5. Registration for Minor Crops

We urge the appropriate state and federal agencies to address the cost of label registration for chemicals to be used on minor crops. We also request economical methods of label clearance for minor crop chemicals that include procedures to speed clearance of chemicals (i.e., pest control/abscission growth hormones on minor use crops that are already cleared for other crops). (CITRUS) (HORT)

6. Research & Development of New Pesticides

We support actions which ensure continued research and development of new pesticides. We urge that the banning or limiting of already approved chemicals be based only on scientific research data. (PEANUT/COTTON)

7. Right of Producers to Use Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals

We support the right of individual producers to use chemicals and pharmaceuticals in accordance with label restrictions. If the user has followed label directions, he or she shall not be held liable for damages. (VEG)