The National Grain and Feed Association wants the Environmental Protection Agency to take another look at its proposal on the use of phosphine as a grain fumigant.  EPA proposed new restrictions on the use of aluminum and magnesium phosphide that are used to produce phosphine gas.  Phosphine gas is used as a fumigant at most grain facilities.

NGFA told EPA the overall impact of the proposal would be to "effectively preclude the future use of the last remaining practical, safe and cost-effective fumigants available to protect the quality and value of a wide range of U.S. agricultural products, processed commodities and finished products."

The statement continued, "We believe that the proposed changes could deal a devastating blow to the competitive position and economic viability of many U.S. agricultural producers, grain handlers, exporters, millers and processors."

NGFA's outside legal counsel found that more than two-thirds of respondents to an association survey would be precluded from using the fumigants because their facilities were located within 500 feet of a residential area, the "buffer area" that would be created under the EPA proposal.