Farmers Urged to Contact EPA

The National Corn Growers Association urged farmers to submit comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, following publication of the Agency's draft Ecological Risk Assessment for atrazine, an herbicide used for weed control in growing corn and other crops.

If it stands, EPA's recommendation would effectively ban the use of atrazine in most farming areas in the U.S.

"Atrazine is a safe and effect crop management tool. If EPA succeeds in taking away this option, it will be sending farming practices back decades and hurt the environment in the process," said Chip Bowling, President of NCGA.

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide proven to combat the spread of resistant weeds, while also reducing soil erosion and improving wildlife habitats. When farmers have access to atrazine, they do not have to do as much tilling, a practice that erodes soil and leads to water and nutrient loss.

Studies suggest farming without atrazine could cost corn farmers up to $59 per acre. Submit your comments to the EPA.

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