Number: 1985-16
WHEREAS, the maintenance of high levels of crop production and a healthy agricultural community are important to the continued well-being of the nation and the world; and
WHEREAS, increased reliance on agricultural chemicals is expected to continue; and
WHEREAS, the long-term impacts of these chemicals upon the land and water and their side effects on exposed fish and wildlife are often poorly understood; and
WHEREAS, toxicological studies of agricultural chemicals conducted by the manufacturers, USDA, and EPA are often incomplete and inadequate, and do not examine synergistic effects, and such chemicals are often applied at excessive rates and under inappropriate conditions; and
WHEREAS, the main sources of information on health impacts, usage conditions and application rates for these chemicals are their suppliers;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 14-17, 1985, in Arlington, Virginia, will promote and support state and Federal legislation that will provide adequate funding support to qualified, independent research institutions for the following purposes:
- To study the short- and long-term effects on the environment of agricultural chemicals (including long-term effects of excessive use of persistent chemicals, individually and in combination, and the leaching of chemicals into soils and groundwater supplies) and propose proper rules for their safe and appropriate application and use; and
- To develop a program to reduce excessive chemical use in favor of integrated pest management and other available control practices, including the development of educational programs aimed at maintaining efficient operations while providing adequate protection of the environment.