From gmwatch; (gm means genetic modification, the currently most-used term
for genetic engineering).--Tom
NOTE: Prof. Jonathan Jones, head of the Sainsbury Lab at the John Innes
Centre, used to tell audiences that GM crops had made the aerial spraying of
pesticides unnecessary in the United Sates. During the course of just one
public meeting, Prof Jones repeated this claim no less than three times.
http://ngin.tripod.com/pants3.htm
EXTRACT: "it's ironic we're seeing such an increase in pesticide use on
genetically modified crops supposed to need less pesticides. It's obvious
more is being used."
---
----
Experts: Few alternatives to aerial spraying
CLARE HOWARD
THE JOURNAL STAR, April 4 2009
http://www.pjstar.com/business/x551068694/Experts-Few-alternatives-to-aerial
-spraying
*Many farmers concerned about whether proper safety measures are used
Opinions vary widely regarding recent sharp increases in aerial
application of farm chemicals, with some industry experts saying farmers have few
options.
Patrick Kirchhofer, manager of the Peoria County Farm Bureau, said the
high price of corn last year, wet fields and corn hybrids that can often be 8
to 10 feet in height all played a role.
"Today's hybrids mean the corn gets so tall it's difficult to take a
wheeled vehicle over the field without damaging the crop. When the field is wet,
aerial application is the only alternative," Kirchhofer said.
"Applicators need to be conscious of wind direction and changes in wind
speed and direction. There are plenty of headaches in farming without
creating issues with neighbors, but farmers can't control everything."
When potential insect damage is predicted late in the season at a time
when crops have reached mature heights, the only option is to spray by air, he
said.
Corn prices last year were at historic highs, making aerial application
more cost effective.
Denny Wettstein and his wife, Emily, farm organically in Carlock.
"In my opinion, it's ironic we're seeing such an increase in pesticide use
on genetically modified crops supposed to need less pesticides. It's
obvious more is being used," he said.
Fewer farmers do their own spraying than in the past, Wettstein said. Most
chemical applications, whether by air or land, are done by companies under
contract with the farmers.
"These big companies have so many acres to cover, and they can't interrupt
their schedule due to weather. They won't stop," Wettstein said, noting
that he's confronted some applicators in the past and complained that wind
speed exceeded label warnings.
"It's my word against his," Wettstein said. "They tell me they have to
continue."
Wettstein rotates crops and has livestock.
He said, "In my opinion, the best practice is crop rotations with
livestock. That keeps weeds down. But we see more and more continuous corn, which
means continuous battles against weeds and bugs and more and more spraying."
Two organic farmers contacted for this story because of their
long-standing problems with drift from chemical applications on nearby farms declined
to allow their names to be used. One family said the situation has
deteriorated to the point they are looking into moving their operation to other
farmland.
The other family said after filing complaints with the Department of
Agriculture, they are concerned about retaliation. The husband said he has been
buzzed repeatedly by crop dusters when he's on the tractor in the middle of
his organic fields.
Some states have initiated advance notification requirements, special
hotlines for help when drift occurs and increased buffer zones around targeted
fields.
................................................................
This email should only be sent to those who have asked to receive it.
To unsubscribe, contact [log in to unmask], specifying which list you wish
to unsubscribe from.
**************Remember Mom this Mother's Day! Find a florist near you now.
(http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?query=florist&ncid=emlcntusyelp00000006)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]
Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp
To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp
|
