Makhteshim Agan Of North America Supports Continued Use Of Diazinon

Makhteshim Agan of North America Supports Continued Use

of Diazinon Following a Federal Ruling on Buffer Zone

RALEIGH, N.C. (November 4,  2011) – Makhteshim Agan of North America (MAI) will maintain its position in supporting industry use of diazinon in response to this week’s federal ruling upholding restrictions on pesticide applications near Pacific Northwest waterways containing salmon.

MAI, Dow AgroSciences and Cheminova, Inc. USA, filed a lawsuit in the federal court of Maryland against the National Marine Fisheries Service to remove use restriction guidelines approved in an earlier federal ruling. The case stems from a 2008 biological opinion (BiOp) submitted by the fisheries service and anti-pesticide counterparts claiming environmental impact on salmon from pesticide run-off from  agricultural cropping fields into nearby lakes and streams.

In a suit filed by the manufacturers against the fisheries service, the complaint stated that the biological opinion included insufficient data and modeling, and that the proposed buffers were not scientifically-based to establish sound evaluation by the federal court for a comprehensive and fair ruling.

The plaintiff companies hold registrations issued by the U.S. EPA that authorize them to sell products containing chlorpyrifos, diazinon and malathion - all listed for recommended restrictive use in the biological opinion document.

On Monday, October 31, 2011, a federal judge upheld the original ruling which maintains the restricted use guidelines for these products along with others.  The ruling leaves in place findings by the fisheries service that applications of products containing chlorpyrifos, diazinon and malathion be prohibited within 500 to 1,000 feet of salmon-bearing streams, depending on if the application is by ground or air.

MAI Response to the Ruling

            MAI, a global manufacturer of diazinon, is evaluating the current ruling, yet stands by their position that this specific crop production input used by growers in the Pacific Northwest does not cause harm to salmon or other wildlife species.

Rob Williams, CEO of MANA Crop Protection, the U.S. agricultural division of parent company MAI, says the company is considering their options and currently reviewing the federal court response.   

“The ruling brings disappointment in regards to scientific assessment that diazinon is a safe and effective crop protection input with no adverse impact on wildlife,” he says. “MAI respects the court’s decision, yet we will continue to look for an option, including the possibility of an appeal, which will pro-actively support growers with their desire to maintain use practices of this important crop protection tool.”  

      MANA Crop Protection is a world leader in crop protection solutions. With more than six decades of field-proven experience and an impeccable reputation for quality, value, attentive service and environmental responsibility, the company has successfully grown its enterprise into a global powerhouse offering one of the most complete portfolios of crop protection products. 

For more information about MANA Crop Protection visit www.manainc.com or call 866-406-6262.

#####

Ó2011 Makhteshim Agan of North America, Inc., 4515 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27609.  Always read and follow label instructions.

About MANA Crop Protection

MANA offers the most comprehensive and diversified product portfolio in the crop protection industry, with more than 60 formulations of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, and harvest aids. These proven products are efficiently manufactured to the highest standards and value priced to optimize the farm’s profitability potential. As the North American arm of the world’s seventh largest agrochemical company, MANA provides best-in-class formulations, regulatory capabilities, field research, and a science-based approach to defend and maintain vital active ingredients that other companies have abandoned. Our area business management team throughout the U.S. supports the distributors, retailers, crop consultants and agronomists who are part of the supply chain that farmers and farm managers rely on for localized expertise. MANA is a North American wholly owned affiliate of Makhteshim-Agan Industries, Ltd (MAI). Additional information about MANA can be found online at www.manainc.com.

About Makhteshim Agan

Makhteshim-Agan Industries Ltd helps farmers around the world to increase the yield of their crops through the production and distribution of crop protection solutions. In 2010, its sales reached USD 2.368 billion and it was ranked seventh in the global agrochemical industry and fourth in Europe, with a global market share of more than 5 percent. The Company is known for its extensive knowledge and experience, outstanding technological and engineering abilities, expertise in product registration, compliance with stringent environmental protection standards, strict quality control, and global marketing and distribution channels.