June 18, 2008

LANSING - Pesticide applicators and state farmers are urged to implement safety precautions when applying pesticides to agricultural field crops to avoid the possibility of drift from the treatment area. Off-target pesticide drift is the most common pesticide application mistake and is easily preventable if precautions are taken to make sure pesticides are applied correctly.

“Off-target drift is MDA’s most frequent complaint and taking simple precautions can reduce the likelihood of that occurring,” said MDA Director Don Koivisto. “It’s is extremely important for pesticide applicators and farmers to follow all pesticide label use directions, including any use restrictions designed to prevent off-target drift, in order to safeguard the health and welfare of neighbors, animals, and plants.”

Pesticide labels include a variety of use directions such as low spray pressure, specific spray nozzles, drift reduction additives, and in some cases maximum wind speeds. Pressure, nozzles, and additives are designed to create larger droplets and a uniform droplet size spectrum, which has the effect of reducing the number of small droplets. Small droplets are more likely to be carried off target by air currents.

“Under Michigan’s pesticide law and regulations, pesticide applicators are required to follow label use directions and prevent drift,” said Director Koivisto. “Additionally, MDA is working with its federal partners to create pesticide label standards to further reduce the possibility of drift occurring.”

Michigan pesticide applicators are required by law to use a written drift management plan when pesticide off-target drift is anticipated, and protect sensitive areas, such as adjacent organic farming operations. Drift management plans are designed to minimize the occurrence and the adverse effects of drift.

MDA is responsible for investigating allegations of pesticide misuse, including drift. An individual can file a complaint with MDA at any of the seven regional offices, which can be found on MDA’s web site at www.michigan.gov/mda.

It is extremely important that such a complaint be received as quickly as possible so that MDA can investigate and, when appropriate, collect samples to determine if drift occurred.

If you have any questions regarding any of Michigan’s pesticide regulatory requirements, please contact the MDA regional office in your area.