The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association is keeping a close eye on a handful of state bills regarding pesticide regulation.
President KJ Johnson tells Brownfield most of the legislation simply needs clarification, so farmers are not robbed of important pesticides needed to protect their crops. He points to HB 4558 which would ban the use of neonicotinoid products on state owned land like universities- which would directly affect research trials.
“We will try and work through some of the other issues, but because of the impact to university field research we will be opposed.”
While IFCA supports protecting pollinators, another bill- HB 4237, as written, would ban the spraying of any pesticide considered toxic to bees within in a mile of any registered apiary between 8am and 6pm.
