Sensitive Crop Locator Launched to Help Pesticide Applicators Avoid Drift

Photo by Edwin Remsberg

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has launched a new online mapping application, called a “Sensitive Crop Locator,” where pesticide applicators can see locations of crops sensitive to pesticide damage so they can take extra precautions to prevent drift, especially from herbicides, when spraying on nearby properties. Crops sensitive to pesticide damage include grapes, tomatoes, organic farms, tobacco, livestock, nurseries, and vegetables, among others. The map is accessed from the MDA website (www.mda.maryland.gov) under “Hot Topics.”

“We are fortunate in Maryland to have a diverse agricultural sector,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “The Sensitive Crop Locator is one of the tools we’ve developed to help strengthen that diversity. I urge all pesticide applicators to reference the Locator Map before spraying pesticides near agricultural lands.”

Information in the statewide map is voluntarily provided by the grower of the sensitive crops. The map includes the name and address of the grower; the type of crop/commodity produced; contact information; and the specific location where each crop is grown.

The website gives applicators the ability to pull up maps and aerial photographs to search for, locate and identify any sensitive/specialty crops in areas where they will be making pesticide applications. The mapping system also has the capability to measure distances and areas.

The database is designed for individuals involved in commercial production. It does not include homeowners who may be growing a sensitive/specialty crop on their own property for their use. Although designed for applicators, it is available to anyone online.

Commercial growers who want their crop and/or commodity listed can submit an application to MDA for each field to be listed on the website. For more information or to obtain an application, contact MDA’s Pesticide Regulation Section at: 410-841-5710; or by fax at: 410-841-2765. Applications are available here. Instructions for completing it are here.  # # #

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Note: MDA’s Pesticide Regulation Section administers Maryland’s Pesticide Applicator’s Law, approves training courses in the handling, storage and use of pesticides, conducts examinations to determine that pesticide applicators are competent to follow prescribed pest control practices,enforces state and federal laws on the sale and use of pesticides, and investigates pesticide accidents or incidents and consumer complaints on pesticide misuse.