April 23

The Environmental Protection Agency is not using sound science and not adequately considering transition periods for new pesticide tolerances as required by the Food Quality Protection Act, says Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA).  The FQPA requires EPA to reassess one-third of the 9,700 existing food tolerances for pesticides by August.  All existing tolerances are to be reassessed in 10 years.

"If not done right, the implementation will result in a harmful impact on nutrition, especially that of children," Goodlatte said.  "Likewise, random and unjustified revocation of pesticide tolerances will wreak havoc in rural America as food production shifts to foreign countries.  Goodlatte is chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.

He wants EPA to implement the FQPA in a way that will avoid any drastic impacts from sudden pesticide losses as well as from unintended effects resulting in pest resistance.  It is imperative that the reregistration process allow adequate time for pesticide users to make a reasonable transition to alternative products and practices when existing product tolerances are revoked, he adds.