By Blake Jackson
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a ban on mancozeb, a fungicide commonly used in grape production.
This decision is based on potential health risks for workers who come into contact with the product after it's been applied. The public comment period is open until September 16th.
The EPA is concerned about activities like tying vines, harvesting grapes, and removing leaves, which can expose workers to harmful levels of mancozeb.
They believe these activities cannot be conducted safely within a reasonable timeframe after applying the fungicide.
Grape growers east of the Rocky Mountains would likely be most affected by the ban. They would need to rely on alternative fungicides, which are often more expensive and can lead to resistance issues.
If you'd like to voice your opinion on the proposed ban, you can submit a comment to the EPA by mail Jean Overstreet (overstreet.anne@epa.gov) or email until September 16th.
The EPA is particularly interested in new information on topics like alternative application methods, fungicide resistance, and economic impacts.
This potential ban on mancozeb follows similar actions by the EPA for other fungicides used in grape production, including Ziram and Captan. The EPA has adjusted regulations for Captan by extending the re-entry period for workers after application on wine and juice grapes.
Photo Credit: istock-jimfeng
Categories: New York, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, General