EPA-USDA Farm Tour heads to North Carolina, Maryland

This past week, the EPA-USDA Farm Tour visited farms in North Carolina and Maryland in an annual event hosted by the National Potato Council.

Staff from EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs and USDA’s Office of Pest Management Policy visit farms to learn more about commercial potato production practices, including real-world use of federally regulated pesticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Last year, the tour visited Colorado, where Bob Mattive, NPC president and Colorado potato grower, served as host.

“The tour is designed to help decision-makers at EPA and USDA understand how stewardship practices occurring on our farms help protect the environment,” Mattive said in a news release. “Its timing is perfect to help explain the potato practices we have identified as possible mitigations (.pdf) associated with the Endangered Species strategies being considered.”

During tour stops, participants will gain an understanding of key pest management challenges, including conservation and IPM practices and controlling potential resistance to key pesticides.