Agricultural chemical makers face tough issues

Abstract

While federal lawmakers, lobbying organizations, and national environmental groups compete in Washington, D.C., over the fate of pesticide and fertilizer use, their debates are having profound effects down the line. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and farmers are all having to deal with new laws and regulations on agricultural chemicals. At its latest meeting in Washington, the National Agricultural Chemicals Association (NACA) took a hard look at these problems. Several issues stand out. One is the recent Supreme Court decision that would allow small municipalities to set their own pesticide restrictions. Others involve water quality and the slow and costly reregistration process for existing pesticides, and efforts by Congress and others to reduce pesticide residues on foods. Pesticide and fertilizer contamination of surface and groundwater has become a politically important issue. Errol L. Tyler, staff counsel for the House Committee on Public Works & Transportation's Subcommittee on Water Reso...