This week EPA announced a new voluntary drift reduction technology program to encourage the use of verified, and safer pesticide spray products. EPA is trying to reduce exposure and pesticide movement. Crop Life America’s Senior Director of Environmental Policy Mike Leggett says this star system is one his group has been waiting on for some time and is pleased the agency is going ahead with it.
EPA says their program encourages manufacturers to test their technology such as nozzles and spray shields for drift reduction potential. Leggett says that data can be submitted to EPA’s web site where it’s evaluated and assigned a star rating.
Leggett says his group and EPA are hoping the new star rating system of products and technologies will help farmers reduce drift, protect neighbors and reduce costs by keeping more of the pesticide on the crop.