The EPA is considering limiting the use of Imidan and Malthion in blueberry and other small fruit crops. EPA has opened a comment period for growers to respond to this proposal. We need you to send your comments indicating the importance of maintaining those insecticides to manage SWD and other major pests of small fruit crops. We need you to act NOW to prevent the EPA from removing these insecticides form our IPM toolbox.

COMMENT PERIOD FOR ORGANOPHOSPHATE INSECTICIDES – DUE BY SEPTEMBER 25

WHY IS EPA REVIEWING THE ORGANOPHOSPHATE INSECTICIDES?

EPA has received a Petition To Revoke Tolerances and Cancel Registrations for Certain Organophosphate Uses, based on their risk to workers. This includes Imidan and Malathion which are both widely used in blueberry production. Full details are available at this website.

 

HOW CAN GROWERS AND/OR GROWER ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDE INPUT?

There is a comment period open that has been extended to September 25. Comments on this action can be typed directly into this website. There is a commenter checklist at the site that can provide some guidance. There is also an option in that webpage to upload a file. Comments can provided as an individual or as an organization (a large farm, MBBAC, etc.).

 

WHAT INFORMATION IS USEFUL TO PROVIDE

Provide information on how these products help you grow blueberries. Describe the challenges from insect pests, and how Imidan and Malathion help you control pests and harvest a marketable crop. Some example pointers are below and you could address one or more of these that are relevant to your farm:

1. Insect challenges in your farm, and their economic impact if not controlled. Growers must meet stringent quality targets, these insecticides help you get there.
2. How effective these insecticides are for insect control. There are some alternatives, but we can list the benefits of these based on cost, reliability, spectrum, etc.
3. Importance of PHI flexibility for managing challenging pests through the harvest season – coordinating harvest, irrigation, sprays, etc.
4. Number of applications, proportion of your farm, rate applied. This helps the agency see the typical use pattern.
5. Removing the OPs would put more pressure on pyrethroids, increasing risk of resistance.
6. MRL harmonization with many trading partners, so removing these would hurt international trade.