EPA's New Program Aims to Reduce Pesticide Drift

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EPA's new Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) program hopes to reduce pesticide drift, protecting people, animals and the environment. It is a voluntary program that encourages the use of verified, safer pesticide sprays that reduce exposure and pesticide movement. The agency reports that this drift action accounts for 70 million lb of pesticides that are wasted and/or aren't being used for their intended purpose.
The DRT program encourages manufacturers to test technologies (e.g., nozzles, spray shields, drift reduction chemicals) for drift reduction potential. The agency hopes manufactures will label products for use with DRT technologies. Four DRT ratings (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4) are given to technologies that have at least a 25% reduction in potential spray drift. Visit EPA's website to learn more about the program and how to participate.