The impact of atrazine regulation affects many, but none more so than the farmers whose livelihoods depend on it. This week, Kansas corn and sorghum farmers made their voices heard. They took a break from their daily duties to address an Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP). Their main plea was to Ensure that the best scientific research is used when determining atrazine regulations.
The virtual meeting aimed to review the EPA's draft white paper, evaluating the reliability of atrazine studies. Representatives from Kansas Corn Growers Association, Triazine Network, and National Sorghum Producers shared insights, including Brent Rogers of Kansas Corn Growers Association and Greg Krissek of Triazine Network.
Rogers captured the sentiment of many when he highlighted the importance of atrazine in farming, especially in no-till farming. He emphasized the real-world implications if unreliable studies continued to influence atrazine usage decisions.
Support wasn't limited to Kansas. Growers from states like Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan, among others, joined the discussion. Representatives from significant agricultural associations also pitched in, including the National Corn Growers Association and the Triazine Network.
Greg Krissek, who remains an active voice even after retiring as Kansas Corn CEO, expressed optimism about the SAP's tone. He echoed the general consensus supporting the EPA's stance of excluding poor-quality studies. Still, he emphasized the need for continued attention even after the SAP's final determinations.
The Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) and the Triazine Network worked together, advocating for clear science in the EPA's 2022 proposed revisions regarding atrazine.
Last October, the atrazine comment period concluded with a significant response. Over 16,000 agricultural representatives voiced concerns about the EPA's proposed changes, emphasizing the necessity of basing decisions on solid scientific evidence.
By November end, the EPA expects to get SAP's recommendations. This feedback will shape the agency's revisions, setting the stage for a review under the Endangered Species Act.
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: Kansas, Crops