Save Your Crop Protection Tools

Farm groups and the crop protection industry got a scare when President Obama proposed his 2013 budget for consideration in Congress. His budget called for the creation of a “Crop Protection” program under which the Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-4 Project) within USDA would then fall under. This would have resulted in a 30% reduction in funding for the program that is so critical for specialty crops.

Analysis of the President’s Budget explanatory notes, which was submitted to Congress, appear not to support IR-4’s mission of supporting data collection needed to facilitate EPA registration of pest management technologies for specialty crops and minor uses.
While the President’s budget was defeated, cuts to the program could still come through the budget continuing resolution process. The threat to the program brings to light the importance of a program that often flies under the radar of most growers’ day-to-day concerns.

Nearly 50 Years Of Service

The IR-4 Project was created nearly 50 years ago to help America’s specialty crops growers by providing access to crop protection materials critical in producing high-quality fruit and vegetables. Due to the high costs of meeting EPA’s standards, which ensure all pest controls compounds are safe to both humans and the environment, crop protection companies often do not seek labels for minor specialty crops. This is where USDA comes in with IR-4 to help get the necessary approvals for important products for use.
With a huge debt, lawmakers are looking for return on investment in federal programs. According to IR-4 Project advocates, the program has a great story to tell in this regard. Since its inception, the program has facilitated the registration of more than 25,000 crop uses. A study by Michigan State University determined that for a total budget of $18 million (USDA and other public/private sources), IR-4 efforts have contributed more than $7.2 billion to the annual U.S. GDP and supports 104,650 U.S. jobs.

Ag Voices Unite

When the threat to IR-4 surfaced, 82 commodity associations/grower groups and individuals who represent specialty agriculture spoke on behalf of this critical program. The collective group established SaveIR-4.org to advocate for the program. Visit the site and learn how you can lend your support.
In short, the group has urged Congress to continue to dedicate at least $12 million specifically to the IR-4 Project. In a written testimony it urged, “Simply put, the U.S. specialty crop growers ask Congress to let the IR-4 Project continue to do the excellent job it has done for the past 49 years.”