Ag Changes Rooted In Solid Ground
December 1, 2008 In a letter to President-Elect Barack Obama last week, CropLife America President and CEO Jay Vroom noted the considerable agriculture challenges and opportunities the next president will inherit on taking office in January 2009.
"As much as ‘change’ is what so many want and seek, we also see much in agriculture that is solid and will be the basis of change going forward," stated Vroom in the letter. "Some of the best examples can be found in the ways in which we have advanced in changing and improving agricultural output with the responsible application of science-based solutions."
Vroom emphasized the extensive science inherent in crop protection development and production, highlighting progress in weed control technology over the years as an example of the evolution of crop protection products. The crop protection industry’s regulation by and cooperation with EPA was noted.
He also stressed that several holiday staples, including cranberries and celery, are significantly impacted by crop protection. "From our research, we know that without fungicides, there would be 44 percent less pecan pie, 39 percent less celery, and 68 percent less cranberries." Vroom pointed out that turkeys are fed balanced diets of feed grains and oilseeds, of which 20 percent to 25 percent of crop yields are attributable to modern weed control herbicides, making the cost of the turkey more affordable to consumers.
Vroom also committed to working with the new president on advancing agricultural interests and needs in the upcoming administration.
(Source: CropLife America)
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