This month, EPA released proposed interim decisions for acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam. In the proposed interim decisions, EPA is proposing:
- Management measures to help keep pesticides on the intended target and reduce the amount used on crops associated with potential ecological risks;
- Requiring the use of additional personal protective equipment to address potential occupational risks;
- Restrictions on when pesticides can be applied to blooming crops in order to limit exposure to bees;
- Language on the label that advises homeowners not to use neonicotinoid products; and,
- Cancelling spray uses of imidacloprid on residential turf under the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) due to health concerns.
Additionally, the agency is working with industry on developing and implementing stewardship and best management practices. As it has done in the past, NPC will provide comment to EPA to communicate the importance of neonicotinoids for potato growers’ pest management programs and that the vast majority of potato growers utilize IPM crop protection systems to keep pests below economic thresholds and rotate chemistries to prevent resistance development.