The Environmental Protection Agency reached settlements with three area organizations over pesticide violations, the agency announced Thursday in a news release.
All three cases involved the sale and distribution of plant growth regulators, which are controlled by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Roden-ticide Act. Mayberry Seed Co. of Essex, Mo., agreed to pay $17,160 for the distribution or sale of
an unregistered plant growth regulator and fungicide on at least 14 occasions; Southeast Cooper-ative Service Co. Inc. of Advance, Mo., agreed to pay $12,000 for sales of an unregistered plant growth regulator and fungicide; and AgXplore International LLC of Parma, Mo., agreed to pay $237,573 for 212 counts of the sale or distribution of 19 unregistered pesticide products. AgXplore has informed its customers and distributors of its products that violated the act.
Under FIFRA, distributors of pesticides must ensure that pesticides intended for distribution within the U.S. are registered both if the distributor claims the substance can be used as a pesticide or if the product is intended to be used for a pesticidal purpose, including as a plant regulator.
Many plant growth regulator products are properly registered with the EPA. Companies which comply with pesticide registration requirements must pay registration fees and may also incur significant costs in ensuring their products are correctly formulated, perform as intended, and
are properly labeled. Accordingly, entities which produce, sell or distribute unregistered pesticides place themselves at an economic advantage relative to their competitors who comply with the law.
EPA registration requirements also protect consumers by ensuring that products are formulated in accordance with the product label. Without proper registration and labeling on pesticides (including required safety information), users may unintentionally misapply pesticides and cause damage to crops or non-target areas and may lack adequate first aid information in the event of an accident.
As part of their respective settlements with the EPA, each of the three companies has certified that it is presently in compliance with FIFRA and its regulations.
For more information about the Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, visit www.epa.gov/enforcement/waste.