The department seeks to replace chemical harvesting techniques.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a nationwide innovation challenge to explore cost-saving alternatives for crop desiccation. A common practice among farms, crop desiccation is the process of spraying pesticides to evenly dry crops in order to prepare them for easy harvesting. The agency intends to both reduce the use of pesticides and decrease the cost of crop production through the submitted innovations.
“American farmers feed our families, and they deserve the best tools to do that job safely,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “This challenge backs our farmers, protects the health of American families, and helps modernize our farms. By listening to growers, researchers, and communities, we can cut exposure risks and make America’s food supply stronger and more resilient.”
Crops of special interest include small grains, beans and peas, oilseeds, potatoes, and cotton. Applicants will be encouraged to explore methods of crop timing, natural drying, and precision technology comparable to desiccation.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Administrator Zeldin as he oversees the research into chemical reduction technologies for harvesting in the U.S.
- For EPA officials as they review applications for alternatives to crop desiccation.
Sources: Environmental Protection Agency
