Position Statement: Use of Chemicals & Pesticides

The Washington State Hay Growers Association supports an educational program to inform the American consumer of the advantages of judicious, reasonable, and safe use of pesticides in the production of agricultural products. We support research to determine the effects of pesticide exposure on farmers and their employees.

We believe that farmers should not be liable for adverse health effects incurred as a result of trespass on private lands. When crops have been treated with pesticides, the landowner should not be liable for anyone illegally entering the property and/or consuming treated commodities.

We believe that those responsible for all municipal, state, federal, and private lands must control noxious and aquatic weeds and pests in the same manner expected of farmers.

We oppose the removal of minor crop chemicals for which there are no safety concerns by the Environmental Protection Agency until a viable alternative is fully developed and re-registration fees are reduced.

We support legislation requiring that any mandated pesticide use reporting and applicator licensing requirements should apply to consumer applicators and all other users, as well as to agricultural applications. These requirements should also apply to organic pest control products.

Approved by the WSHGA Membership
January 24, 2001

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Washington State Hay Growers Association
100 North Fruitland, Suite B, Kennewick, WA   99336
(509) 585-5460     FAX: (509) 585-2671
info@wa-hay.org