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The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) cautions growers that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to cancel all but one use of the pesticide acephate in an effort to protect human health. While this is a proposed decision and not yet a final rule, it concerns the GCC and executive director Taylor Sills.
He details the decision and outlines the ramifications it could have on Georgia producers.
“Earlier (last) week the EPA announced a proposed interim decision, and the important word here is proposed, to get rid of most of the uses of the pesticide acephate. That’s a commonly used pesticide for cotton producers here in Georgia and frankly across the country. In some way, shape or form, it probably goes out on the majority of the acres here in the state,” Sills said. “That’s obviously very concerning to us It’s something we use, especially early in the season, like right now, fighting a pest like thrips. In some parts of the country and a little bit in Georgia it’s used on some other pests pretty heavily.
“As we’ve said before, we need as many tools in our toolbox as we could possibly have. Our producers know how to use these products in a safe manner, sustainable way, and frankly, we’re very concerned about the loss of this product in particular because it’s very economically effective. You get a lot of control for a very small investment.
“We want producers to have as many choices as they can have to best operate their farms.”
Acephate is proceeding through EPA’s standard registration review process. There is a comment period for industry leaders to voice their concerns to the EPA. Sills emphasizes that growers can still use the pesticide and should be good for the entire 2024 season.
“We’re going to be working with UGA (University of Georgia) Extension, National Cotton Council and Southern Cotton Growers to help make sure the EPA knows how important this product is and why it’s important to us. Hopefully, we can get this decision rolled back,” Sills said.
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