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On September 30, 2009 at 10 a.m. in Room 409 of the State Capitol, there will be a subject matter hearing on the issue of agricultural pesticide use focusing on drift issues.  This all came about as a result of media stories targeting agricultural use of pesticides, and while the stories initially focused on aerial application the issue impacts all manners of pesticide application.   Attached is the press release on the hearing. 

IFCA, two IFCA members, the IL Ag Aviation Association (accompanied by a U of I Pesticide Safety Extension Specalist), Illinois Farm Bureau and the IL Dept of Agriculture will provide oral testimony on behalf of our industries at the hearing.  There are at least 3 anti-pesticide groups who have also asked to testify. 

The Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Gifford) has also asked that written comments be submitted by any interested parties.  We encourage IFCA members to send in thoughtful comments regarding how your company manages spray drift and how you communicate with sensitive industries such as vineyards, organic growers, or people who live in subdivisions next to agricultural production.  We expect there may be an effort to propose pre-notification of pesticide applications so bear that in mind when writing your letter.  IFCA supports the provisions in the Pesticide Act that outline a formal process to deal with complaints, investigations and penalties when evidence of drift is confirmed.   

We have attached an outline for you to follow when drafting your comments including how to address the letter.  Tell them about your experiences.  We also recommend that you copy your state Senator and send it to their district office.  You can forward your comments to IFCA and we can deliver them for you; if you send them directly to Senator Frerichs please copy IFCA so that we can have an idea of how many of our members sent comments.  Comments should be sent by September 25, 2009 or earlier if possible.

If you have any questions please contact Jean Payne or Kevin Runkle.  To see the members on the Senate Agriculture Committee click here:  http://www.ilga.gov/senate/committees/members.asp?CommitteeID=607  If your Senators are on the committee it is very important that you submit comments! 

Thank you for doing your part to stand up for our industry.  If you desire to attend the hearing please let us know as well.