Pesticides Crucial for Corn Production and Sustainability

With the release of the Make America Healthy Again Commission's (MAHA) policy recommendations this month, Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. emphasized the vital role of pesticides in modern agriculture. In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Hartman highlighted the importance of pesticides in maintaining crop yields, conserving tillage practices, and enhancing soil health. The NCGA president's comments come as a response to concerns over childhood chronic disease and the potential impacts of reduced pesticide use.

Key Takeaways:

• Without key pesticides, corn growers could experience a significant reduction in production, affecting food availability and grocery prices, and ultimately harming the health of Americans, as corn yields could be reduced by up to 70%.
• Farmers follow labeling guidelines and instructions accompanying pesticides to protect humans and the environment from potential exposures and prevent waste and unintended crop damage.
• Over the past 20 years, farmers have dramatically reduced herbicide use per acre by following label directions.
• NCGA recommends that the MAHA Commission:

+ Reinforce the robust, globally respected pesticide review process used by the Environmental Protection Agency.

+ Highlight the critical role of precision agriculture in pesticide application.

+ Support full congressional funding of EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs at the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act 5 statutory level of $166 million.

• USDA should provide increased funding for independent agricultural-based research addressing topics such as precision applications, pesticide resistance, and integrated pest management.

Statistics:

• Up to 70% reduction in corn yields without pesticides to ward off weeds, above and below ground pests, and humidity-loving fungi.
• 20 years of data showing a dramatic reduction in herbicide use per acre by following label directions.
• $166 million in congressional funding requested for EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs at the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act 5 statutory level.
• Increased funding recommended for independent agricultural-based research by USDA.

Sources:

• National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)
• Letter from Kenneth Hartman Jr., NCGA President, to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.