Monday, June 4, 2007

Grower Stewardship Contributes to Clean Water

It's always amazing when critics of agriculture shoot first before stating the facts. "Maybe there's a problem, let's blame the farmers."

Public policy should be based upon facts and sound science, not ideology. So it's good to know that farmers are working to ensure their modern farming practices meet or exceed quality standards. Here's some more information on a recent report:
For years Missouri corn growers have been working hard to serve as good environmental stewards of the land they farm. Judging by the results of a recent study released by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR), consumers can feel secure knowing that groundwater pollution is not an issue.

The study, "Results of Monitoring Shallow Groundwater in Missouri for Four Agricultural Pesticides," consisted of taking a total of 351 samples from 190 wells around the state and testing each sample for eight different pesticides. Of the wells analyzed, 98 percent reported no pesticides. Only four wells tested positive, yet those levels were still below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards for safe drinking water.

"Farmers are being good stewards of the land," says Gary Marshall, chief executive officer with the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA). "They are lowering the usage of pesticides, utilizing safe bio-technology products, and closely managing their nutrient and pesticide uses to make sure they stay in the fields."


Source: MO Corn Growers Association

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