In order to satisfy the EPA’s data requirements, including PDP’s statistically-based sampling frame, the PDP teamed up with the U.S. Triazole Task Force, a government/industry consortium, to conduct testing on several commodities. The resulting data was provided to the EPA and Section 18 permits were granted. The use of triazole fungicides in the food industry is vital for growers, packers, and distributors to get their product to market in good condition. Numerous triazole compounds continue to be monitored by the PDP on a routine basis to support current use of triazole pesticides.
The PDP’s data also benefits the agricultural industry by supporting the development of new pest management approaches that meet the needs of an evolving U.S. agricultural system. The USDA Office of Pest Management Policy uses PDP data to better understand the relationship of pesticide residues to agricultural practices. The information is used to develop enhanced integrated pest management objectives. These data-focused pest management strategies help the agriculture industry with research, implementation, and regulatory issues.
Since its inception, the PDP has tested 112 commodities including fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, grains, catfish, rice, specialty products, and water. The PDP works with state agencies representing all regions of the country and more than half of the U.S. population. In 2012, there were 13 states that participated in PDP sampling and/or testing operations. The data is essential in supporting efforts by the USDA and EPA to assess the American consumer’s dietary exposure to pesticide residues.
Pesticide data published by the USDA each year provides regulators, scientists, growers, and consumers with important insights into the actual levels of pesticide residues found on widely consumed foods. The data is a valuable tool for food producers and processors, chemical manufacturers, environmental interest groups, and food safety organizations.
With 30 percent of the world’s arable lands and only 7 percent of the world’s population, the U.S. produces enough affordable food to satisfy American consumers and export products at competitive prices. The PDP supplies scientifically sound, unbiased data to ensure the agricultural industry has effective and diverse crop protection tools available to manage pest pressures. For more information, visit the PDP website: www.ams.usda.gov/pdp.
