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The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) in 2000
As you may know, the FQPA
requires EPA to have reviewed one-third of all existing tolerances by August 1999,
two-thirds by August 2002, and the remaining tolerances by August 2006. The EPA is giving
priority to reviewing the tolerances or exemptions that appear to pose the greatest risk
to public health starting with the organophosphates, and then the carbamates, and probable
human carcinogens (B-1 and B-2 pesticides). So far, EPA has been focusing on the
organophosphates. [For background information on the FQPA, please see the March 1999
issue of The Vermont Apple Newsletter
or the EPA website:
http://
www.epa.gov/oppfead1/fqpa/fqpahigh.htm]
On August 2, 1999, EPA issued a press release in which it announced the cancellation of
further use of methyl parathion (Penncap-M) on apples and other crops and restrictions on
the use of azinphos methyl (i.e., new restrictions reduce maximum yearly rate from 6
lbs to 4.5 lbs active ingredient per acre; increase pre-harvest interval to 21 days if
last application is greater than 1 lb. active ingredient per acre; and prohibit
application by chemigation or "fixed-wing" aircraft).
The following is information from EPA's website [http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/status.htm
]on the status of three other insecticides labeled for use on apples:
Chlorpyrifos (e.g., Lorsban)
* Agency consideration of registrant 30-day review completed (10/99)
* Public comment on preliminary risk assessment completed (12/27/99)
Dimethoate (e.g., Cygon)
* Public comment completed on preliminary risk assessments (11/98)
* Technical Briefing - Public Meeting (12/14/99)
* Release of revised risk assessments (12/99)
* 60-Day public participation period for risk management completed (2/14/00)
Phosmet (e.g., Imidan)
* Public comment completed on preliminary risk assessments (3/99)
* Technical Briefing - Public meeting (02/10/2000)
* Release of revised risk assessments (03/20/00)
* 60-Day public participation period for risk management underway (03/20/00)
Regarding phosmet (Imidan), worker exposure to residue has been raised as a
concern. This may result in changes in the re-entry interval for this
pesticide. Because of the importance of Imidan in IPM programs, it will be important
to follow the review process over the next few months.
Is Your Orchard in Compliance with Worker
Protection Standards?
EPA's Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is aimed at reducing the risk of pesticide
poisonings and injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. After the
growing season starts, field agents from the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food, and
Markets will be visiting orchards to assess your level of compliance with Worker
Protection Standards (WPS). The Department has pointed out that
requests for information or assistance in compliance should occur prior to the
agent's arrival.
If you are not sure whether you are in compliance, now is the time to call one of
the following individuals:
Northwest VT -- Andy Squires, 434-2533
Northeast VT -- David Tremblay, 496-6846
Southwest VT -- Dominique Golliot, 773-1695
Southeast VT -- Doug Johnstone, 885-2985
or Annie Macmillan, VT Dept. of Agric., Food and Markets, 828-3479
EPA's website on Worker Protection Standard is: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/workers/workers.htm
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