The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed its Vulnerable Species Pilot Project (VSPP) and Western Growers, through its association with the Minor Crop Farmer Alliance (MCFA) and the Pesticide Policy Coalition, has made comments to the EPA to address issues related to the Pilot Project.

The Pilot Project identifies 27 species throughout the U.S. that the EPA has identified as uniquely vulnerable to pesticide exposures. Among other restrictions, the agency would establish pesticide use limitation areas (PULA) that Western Growers and associates have identified as problematic, particularly in the specialty crop industry where the proposed measures will be acutely felt. EPA plans to extend this pilot to other species and other areas over the next couple of years.

For questions on the EPA VSPP proposal, contact Jeana Cadby at [email protected].