Crop protection products and technologies are integral to maintaining healthy crops and preserving farmland. These tools help manage soil fertility, pests, diseases, and other threats to crops. We support appropriate stewardship of these products to ensure that the right source is applied at the right time in the right place with the right rate and in accordance with the product label.
Through advancements in technology and science in agriculture, from seed genetics to precision agriculture equipment and machinery, Arkansas farmers continue to reduce the amount of crop protection products needed to successfully grow a crop.
Crop Protection Conservation Resources
EPA Bulletins Live! II - Endangered Species Protection Bulletins are a part of EPA's Endangered Species Protection Program. Bulletins set forth geographically specific pesticide use limitations for the protection of threatened and endangered (listed) species and their designated critical habitat. Prior to making applications of crop protection products, farmers should 1) read labels carefully, 2) consult EPA’s Bulletins Live! II within six months prior to pesticide application, and 3) maintain pesticide application records that include a copy of the bulletin, printed or digital, to keep on file - a step that will prevent legal repercussions.
- Obtain Bulletins using EPA's Bulletins Live! Two application
- Read the tutorial Bulletins Live! Two
- Go to the quick start guide
- View the April 2019 webinar for Bulletins Live! Two
- Learn How to locate the EPA Registration number to search for product in Bulletins Live! Two
4R Nutrient Stewardship Initiative
4R Nutrient Stewardship Initiative is a shared effort within the agriculture industry to achieve the following cropping system goals: increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability. The initiative is a cooperative effort to ensure that agricultural practices in the the U.S. continue to be the most efficient, productive, and sustainable in the world.
To achieve those goals, the simple focus of the initiative is to focus narrowly on refining to maximum precision the 4R concept, which incorporates the:
- Right fertilizer source at the
- Right rate, at the
- Right time and in the
- Right place
4R nutrient stewardship requires the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that optimize the efficiency of fertilizer use. The goal of fertilizer BMPs is to match nutrient supply with crop requirements and to minimize nutrient losses from fields. Selection of BMPs varies by location, and those chosen for a given farm are dependent on local soil and climatic conditions, crop, management conditions and other site specific factors.
Other agronomic and conservation practices, such as no-till farming and the use of cover crops, play a valuable role in supporting 4R nutrient stewardship. As a result, fertilizer BMPs are most effective when applied with other agronomic and conservation practices.
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Field Watch
FieldWatch, Inc. is a non-profit company created to develop and provide easy-to-use, reliable, accurate, and secure on-line mapping tools intended to enhance communications that promote awareness and stewardship activities between producers of specialty crops, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators. The voluntary, web-based ag technology program is free to use and covers DriftWatch for specialty crop site registries, BeeCheck for apiary registries, and CropCheck for row crop registries, and FieldCheck for applicator registries. This innovative approach to crop protection product stewardship is now underway in Arkansas and other states across the U.S.
We encourage participation in this program.
FIELDWATCH WEBSITE
Arkansas Abandoned Pesticide Program
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture's State Plant Board Division in cooperation with other government and non-government entities operates a statewide program, known as the Abandoned Pesticide Program, to help farmers safely and properly dispose of old or unwanted pesticides. Since 2005, the Agricultural Abandoned Pesticide Program has overseen the collection of 3,646,397 pounds of unwanted pesticide in counties across Arkansas. The program is funded by fees assesed to pesticide manufacturers upon the registration of each agricultural pesticide registered in Arkansas. Participation in collection events is free and anonymous to farmers and other non-industrial landowners.
We encourage Arkansas farmers to utilize this program when looking to dispose of unwanted pesticides.
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The Fertilizer Institute
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the voice of the fertilizer industry, representing the public policy, communication, stewardship and sustainability and market intelligence needs of fertilizer producers, wholesalers and retailers as well as the businesses that support them with goods and services.
Fertilizer, as an indispensable part of agriculture, is closely tied to the land and the surrounding water resources. With this relationship comes a natural responsibility to offer the necessary benefits to society while lessening any adverse effects to the planet.
TFI and the entire fertilizer industry is committed to being more efficient and protective of our natural resources, accomplishing this in several ways:
- Through the minimization of nutrient loss into surrounding water sources through the formulation of comprehensive stewardship guidelines to manage fertilizer use in the field
- Consistent monitoring of all production processes to control air emissions, conserve water usage and preserve water quality.
- Ensuring that retail facilities are designed to avoid spills or other product losses in all areas of the building and that workers are properly trained in handling fertilizers and the blending equipment as well as spill mitigation and cleanup procedures.
- Working with the communities in which producers and retailers operate, including local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, to support preparedness and safeguard citizens
Crop Life America
CropLife America (CLA) is the national trade association that represents the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticides. CLA’s member companies produce, sell and distribute virtually all the vital and necessary crop protection and biotechnology products used by farmers, ranchers and landowners.
CLA encourages all types of farming and farming practices and supports environmental policies that are based on sound science, best practices and maintain farmers and companies’ competitive advantage.
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Arkansas Crop Protection Association
The Arkansas Crop Protection Association (ACPA) serves a dual purpose. The first is to promote the discussion, dissemination, and exchange of ideas related to crop protection products and their uses. The second is to promote closer coordination and understanding between the crop protection industry, agricultural business, and governmental, educational and agricultural agencies throughout Arkansas. The ACPA advocates for policies that ensure the safe use of crop protection products in Arkansas.
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Southern Crop Production Association
The Southern Crop Production Association (SCPA) is a regional trade association whose primary mission is to act as a spokesperson for the southern crop production industry at state and federal levels in legislative and regulatory affairs, to educate its members on legislation and regulations, provide opportunity for business contacts and to educate the public toward a better understanding for the need and benefits of safe and responsible use of crop production products.
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Arkansas Aerial Applicators Association
The Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association (AAAA) is a non-profit organization that represents the agricultural aviation industry in Arkansas. AAAA's membership is comprised of operators/managers, pilots, ground grew and associates.
Members of AAAA are highly trained individuals specializing in and dedicated to the safe and ethical application of crop protection products. The AAAA continually works to educate, promote and advocate for our industry and are proud of its contribution to the most productive farming methods in the world.
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Ag Container Recycling Council
The Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) is a non-profit organization that safely collects and recycles plastic crop protection product containers. For the last 25 years, the council has worked diligently to implement responsible and sustainable recycling practices to manage plastic collection for a safer environment. The ACRC is fully funded by member companies and affiliates that formulate, produce, package and distribute crop protection and other pesticide products. Thousands of farmers and applicators nationwide participate in ACRC's free recycling programs.
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