IDOA establishes Driftwatch website

New, Web-based program to enhance communication between pesticide applicators and specialty growers

[February 21, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Agriculture has introduced a new, Web-based tool that aims to protect pesticide-sensitive crops by improving communication between growers and commercial pesticide applicators.

Driftwatch is an online program that allows organic and specialty growers to enter the location of their fields on an Internet map that pesticide applicators can consult to avoid spraying sensitive crops. Every time a new field is added, the program sends an e-mail alert to applicators who have registered to use the site.

"Our objective is to raise awareness about Illinois’ specialty crop production and reduce the potential for pesticide drift, or the accidental application of farm chemicals to unintended areas, especially those that are susceptible to damage," said Warren Goetsch, IDOA bureau chief of environmental programs. "It’s going to take shared responsibility for that to happen, though. Growers must make certain they not only enter the locations of their fields, but also enter them accurately, and pesticide applicators must make a commitment to check the site before they spray."

Purdue University originally developed Driftwatch for the state of Indiana. The program was adapted for use in Illinois with funding from the U.S. EPA. Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin also are implementing Driftwatch this year, while Ohio is planning to implement it in 2012.

"The Illinois Senate Ag Committee, during a special hearing on pesticides in 2009, asked the ag industry to work together so that modern grain production and specialty agriculture can both thrive here," said Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association. "We believe Driftwatch provides a technology-based bridge to enhance communication and encourage additional drift mitigation efforts for everyone involved in production agriculture."

At their January convention in Peoria, the association taught members how to use Driftwatch.

The Department of Agriculture plans to promote the website during its annual pesticide training and testing clinics for commercial and private applicators.

Driftwatch is free of charge to its users and can be located by visiting www.agr.state.il.us and clicking on the Driftwatch link on the right-hand side of the home page.

[Text from Illinois Department of Agriculture file released by the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]