Using Pesticides Wisely

Summary

Science is clear that pesticides are currently essential for U.S. farmer's to be able to feed and clothe the world. However, it is critical and will become even more critical that pesticides are used judiciously and carefully to protect the user, the consumer, and the environment. A joint effort between The University of Georgia, The Georgia Department of Agriculture, and industry focused on training growers to help them apply pesticides more wisely. This partnership was unique and the first of its kind in an effort to improve the sustainability of agriculture by focusing on precise pesticide applications thereby mitigating off-target issues. In Georgia alone, 1499 growers and 1882 total people have been trained. When combining trainings across Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina, 2114 people have been trained in the past two years.

Situation

Science is clear that pesticides are currently essential for U.S. farmer's to be able to feed and clothe the world. However, it is critical and will become even more critical that pesticides are used judiciously and carefully to protect the user, the consumer, and the environment. Five of the greatest regulatory challenges facing family farms today include the following: 1) the endangered species act, 2) protecting pollinators, 3) herbicide resistance management plan, 4) the inability to tank mix pesticides during application, and 5) pesticide drift. The most important approach to overcome each of these challenges to ensure a strong food supply is to ensure pesticide applications are made only on-target mitigating any off-target exposure.

Response

During 2015 and 2016, Stanley in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, industry, and University of Georgia extension developed and implemented a training for growers on applying pesticides wisely. This partnership was unique and the first of its kind in an effort to improve the sustainability of agriculture by making more intelligent decisions when applying pesticides. Stanley developed the training materials (generated research data from over 100 experiments) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture approved the materials. Stanley has conducted the training 19 times across Georgia, 4 times in Alabama, and 1 time in South Carolina. Dr. Eric Prostko conducted the training at 6 additional Georgia locations.

Impact

In Georgia alone, 1499 growers and 1882 total people have been trained. When combining trainings across Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina, 2114 people have been trained in the past two years. At each meeting, attendees were surveyed and asked numerous questions including 1) was the training worth your time and 2) will these trainings help you reduce off-target pesticide issues. Over ninety-nine percent of 1137 Georgia growers responded the training was worth their time and over 98% of them noted the training would help them reduce drift; similar results were recorded with other individuals attending the trainings in Georgia and in other states. In Georgia, the number of drift complaints to the Cooperative Extension Service were reduced 48% after the first year of training; similar results were noted at the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Because of the success of this program, the Georgia Department of Agriculture will now require all growers (or individuals with pesticide licenses for a farm operation) who apply 2,4-D or dicamba in auxin tolerant crops to take this training. Additionally, the U.S. EPA has visited Georgia to better understand the training and is determining the potential for assisting in the implementation of this type of training approach across the country.

State Issue

Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability

Details

• Year: 2016
• Geographic Scope: National
• County: Tift
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources