The Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled a technical briefing on an organophosphate.  The farm community is concerned that EPA will phase out organophosphates before adequate alternatives are available.  EPA has scheduled organophosphates for review under the Food Quality Protection Act.

EPA says the briefing, scheduled for May 19, will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the data, information and methods EPA used to develop and revise the risk assessment for azinphos-methyl.

The briefing is part of a pilot public participation process that EPA and USDA now are using to  involve the public in the reassessment of pesticide tolerances under the FQPA and the reregistration of organophosphates under the Federal Insecticide, fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

Additional information can be found on the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/OP/status.htm.