Fertilizer Issues
News Articles Criticizing the Political Attack on Atrazine (click the articles below to read):
1. The War on a Weed Killer; The EPA opens a re-re-evaulation of a safe chemical – The Wall Street Journal (New York)
2. MCGA Against Proposed Legislation to Ban Atrazine – Farm Progress/The Farmer (Anoka, Minn.)
3. White says atrazine review “politically driven” - AgProfessional
4. If Carr is to be sanctioned, so should Tillery – The Record (Edwardsville, Ill.)
5. Alarm Bells Ringing Over EPA's Atrazine Investigation – Texas Farm Bureau
6. Speaking Out in Defense of a Conservation Tool – AgWeb.com
7. Atrazine Role in Sweet Corn Production Outlined – Farm Futures
8. Without Alternatives Atrazine Elimination would Severely Compromise Sweet Corn Production – Hoosier Ag Today
MDA notice on Minnesota Fertilizer Law Changes
By now you should have received a MDA letter that describes the extensive changes in fertilizer laws. You must become very familiar with these changes before June 30. MCPR members who are MN Licensed Fertilizer Distributors (click here for your letter) and/or MN Registrants of Specialty Fertilizer and Soil and Plant Amendment Products (click here for your letter) must begin a new record keeping process July 1, 2009 going forward. Read The Fertilizer Institute's (TFI) recent N, P and K fertilizer outlook by clicking here.
Fertilizer is Life’s Main Ingredient Campaign Read the press release for "Fertilizer is Life's Main Ingredient Campaign" from the Nutrients for Life Foundation.
Having trouble explaining the fertilizer pricing system? Customers asking why the prices keep going up? Click here for a TFI brochure for your information and downloading.View an article from the New York Times showcasing the benefits of fertilizer.
MCPR is pleased because the article reveals the vital role that fertilizer plays in improving and sustaining the world’s food supply. In addition, the article points to commercial fertilizers as one of the most effective solutions in solving the current global food crisis. Congratulations to TFI who had a significant role informing the authors of the facts.
The Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC)The Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC) has funded nearly $500,000 worth of contemporary production ag research aimed at providing crop advisors with answers to vexing issues and crop improvement questions. Click here to review the research and recent updates.
Liquid Bulk Fertilizer Storage Issue
MCPR members may have questions about recent legislative changes related to customers storing on their farm liquid bulk fertilizer . MCPR is providing this statement that will give guidance reflecting the recently passed legislation and may suffice until the MDA provides us with a guidance document with more details. “The 2007 legislature amended “Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 18C.305, by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 3. Exemption. A permit and safeguard is not required for agricultural commodity producers who store, on their own property, for their own use, no more than 6,000 gallons of liquid commercial fertilizer.” Therefore, MCPR members sho.uld understand that a permit is not required and bulk fertilizer containment rules do not apply to agricultural commodity producers who store on their own property for their own use no more than 6,000 gallons of liquid commercial fertilizer. As always, use discretion related to the storage containers you fill.Sample letter to members regarding on farm dry fertilizer storage.Memo to distributors and wholesalers related to on farm dry fertilizer storage.
MDA fertilizer/pesticide bulk storage permitting requirementsClick here to download the MDA fertilizer/pesticide bulk storage permitting requirements. Wholesalers/distributors can be liable for illegal storage and possible environmental damage for on farm bulk fertilizer storage. For further information on your possible liability please contact Paul Liemandt at the MDA by telephoning (651) 201-6472 or email Paul at paul.liemandt@state.mn.us.
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