NPC LOOKS TO ATTAIN CRITICAL INFORMATION FROM GROWERS THROUGH SEED TREATMENT SURVEY

The National Potato Council (NPC) is rolling out a Seed Treatment Survey for growers to complete to gain critical details on potato seed piece treatment practices. To solidify critical details regarding treatment practices, the NPC, with assistance from the Mancozeb Task Force, created the survey for growers to share their current practices. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Proposed Interim Decision (PID) regarding Mancozeb that would potentially impact its usage in potato production. Growers completing the survey will aid in the compilation of critical data needed for the EPA to amend their current PID.

The current PID may lead to restrictions places on the treatment of potato seed pieces with both liquid and dust Mancozeb that would eliminate the ability to apply on farm. Applications could still be applied through a commercial treatment. The PID also addressed increasing worker protections when mixing and applying Mancozeb as a foliar application. These protections include:

• Double layers of clothing and gloves,
• Using an APF10 respirator,
• Utilizing a close-loading system, and
• Using closed cab sprayers and tractors during application.

The EPA is extending its review on seed treatment risk and released an updated Occupational Exposure Assessment (OEA) for Clothianidin, Imidacloprid, and Thiamethoxam. The potato industry depends on both Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam as a seed piece treatment.

Complete the Grower Seed Treatment Survey Here!

Have questions, contact:
Michael R Wenkel, CAE
Chief Operating Officer
National Potato Council
50 F St NW Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20001
Office: 202.682.9456
Mobile: 517.881.9670
Tw: @ThisSpudsForYou