Chemical drift

Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee Creates Subcommittee to Study Solutions to Chemical Drift Problem in Illinois

Following 4 1/2 hours of testimony Wednesday, the state Senate Committee on Agriculture and Conservation found enough credible concern with farm chemical drift to create a subcommittee on the topic—the Agriculture and Conservation Subcommittee on Fertilizers and Chemicals.

Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria, was named chairman of the new committee. Koehler said his committee will research Maine's new mandatory registration and notification law regarding aerial application of farm chemicals

The hearing attracted nearly 100 people from both organic, sustainable and conventional farming and chemical manufacturers and lobbyists. In addition to oral testimony, volumes of written testimony were submitted.  Illinois Stewardship Alliance’s new policy coordinator attended the hearing and presented oral testimony on the need to protect the rights of a growing sector of small business in Illinois, organic and diversified farmers.

ISA plans to remain involved with the legislative process as the Agriculture and Conservation Subcommittee on Fertilizers and Chemicals explores various solutions to the chemical drift problem in Illinois. ISA looks forward to working with all stakeholders in order reach a solution that is acceptable to all parties while protecting the rights of organic and small diversified farmers to have chemical free farms or to control the application of agriculture chemicals to their farms.

For more information on the hearing click here.

As a result of receiving numerous constituent complaints and inquiries, State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria) requested State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) Chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee to hold a hearing on the negative effects of chemical drift.   

During the process of spraying agriculture chemicals, the wind can push these chemicals out of the designated spray area, effecting livestock, gardens and even people. Children, the elderly and individuals with asthma and related health problems can experience serious health consequences, and businesses like organic farmers can lose entire crops, resulting in extreme economic hardship.

The hearing is being called to address the harmful effects of chemical drift. This is a great opportunity for those who are negatively affected by chemical drift to present their story to policy makers.

The hearing is scheduled for September 30th, 10AM, in room 409 of the Illinois State Capitol building, Springfield IL.

Those who are affected by chemical drift as an issue are encouraged to attend the hearing and give testimony. If you plan to attend the hearing please contact Wes King, ISA’s policy coordinator, at wes@ilstewards.org or 217-528-1563.

Knowing that it is a busy time of the year for producers and that you may not be able to attend such a hearing, I would like to encourage you to write a statement about how chemical drift affects you as a farmer.  

Written testimony can be submitted now on Koehler's Web page, www.senatordavekoehler.com or by mailing the statement to Sen. David Koehler, District Office, 13 S. Capitol St., Pekin, IL 61554. Written testimony will still be accepted after the actual date of the hearing.

If you have any questions please contact Wes King, at 217-528-1563 or wes@ilstewards.org