Mississippi Crop Profiles
The Food Quality Protection Act instructs USDA and EPA to obtain pesticide use and usage data on the major and minor crops. Of particular importance at this time are use and usage data for the organophosphates, carbamates, and possible carcinogens. These classes of pesticides have been identified as top priority at EPA for the tolerance reassessment process. These same pesticides are also vital in the production of many of our crops.
Because some of these uses may be canceled, it is important to identify where we stand now, where we need to be in the future and what research efforts are needed to get us there. In order to better understand where future research efforts should lead, it is necessary first to identify areas of critical need (i.e., those crops that have few if any alternative control measures available).
To help USDA and EPA obtain this type of information, "Crop Profiles" are being developed. It is the intent that profiles provide the complete production story for a commodity and a look at current research activities directed at finding replacement strategies for the pesticides of concern. Crop profiles should include typical use information (not simply what pesticide labels state) and for ease of use follow a specific format.
The Mississippi State University Pesticide Impact Assessment Program in cooperation with the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy is developing five crop profiles: corn, rice, soybean, sweetpotato, and wheat. MSU PIAP is also cooperating with the American Farm Bureau to develop a crop profile on cotton. Crop profiles developed by other states are available from the USDA's OPMP & PIAP site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are crop profiles?
Crop profiles are summaries of pest management methods utilized on an individual crop within a state. They explain how crops are grown and why certain pesticides are important. They provide information on current pest problems, pest management methods used, crop production data and key references and contacts. The information contained in crop profiles may be critical for protecting the pesticide registrations upon which we depend.
Where can I see other state crop profiles?
All completed state and regional crop profiles are available on the USDA Regional Pest Management Centers Information System web site.d I do about Common rust
Mississippi Crop Profiles
