Current pesticide usage data combined with economic data and environmental impact data provides educators with information to enhance their educational programs and researchers with opportunities to determine pest control alternatives that show an economic advantage while minimizing environmental impact. Delineated pesticide usage and use patterns demonstrate agricultural product market value and needs of Alabama producers as well as pesticide impact on the agriculture industry. The final goal of the program is to provide the Alabama food consumer with a wholesome, nutritious food supply at an economical price while causing minimal risk of pesticide contamination to the Alabama environment. The Pesticide Impact Assessment Program is a statewide program designed for agricultural clientele, pesticide dealers, commodity producers, Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialists, and university researchers. This project carries approximately 27 percent research responsibility.
Research is performed to determine pesticide usage by crop for major crops in Alabama.
All data have been acquired and tabulated with final reports written on pecans, peaches, peanuts, soybeans, and cotton. Pesticide impact assessment, usage, and use pattern data for these crops have been provided to appropriate Alabama Cooperative Extension System commodity specialists, university researchers, and agriculture industry representatives. The Pesticide Impact Assessment Program will compile data on pasture and forage crops in FY1999 and field and sweet corn in FY2000. Commodity specialists serve on annual data retrieval and planning committees as appropriate. All pesticide usage data are being gathered by the Alabama Agricultural Statistics Service under a special negotiated grant paid by National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program funds.