Category: News
Free Pesticide Disposal Schedule
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced today the fall schedule for free pesticide disposals across the state. Agricultural producers, dealers, professional applicators and homeowners will have a safe, legal and free opportunity to dispose of unusable pesticides through these scheduled events.
Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides or other products with a “cide” in the name. Unusable pesticides should be taken to a collection site between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the dates and at the locations listed below. No fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents, or motor oil can be accepted at the collections.
Collections will be held at several locations:
| IDAHO FALLS | September 10, 2019 | Bonneville County Transfer Station
2455 Hemmert Ave., Idaho Falls |
| BLACKFOOT | September 11, 2019 | Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds
97 Park St. Blackfoot |
| AMERICAN FALLS | September 12, 2019 | Power County Transfer Station
2950 Landfill Rd, American Falls |
| BURLEY | September 24, 2019 | BLM – Burley Field Office
3630 Overland Rd, Burley |
| TWIN FALLS | September 25, 2019 | Twin Falls Canal Company
357 6th Ave. West, Twin Falls |
| NAMPA | September 26, 2019 | Pickles Butte Landfill
15500 Missouri Ave, Nampa |
All collections run from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on scheduled days.
“Since 1993, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture has safely collected and disposed of over 2.3 million pounds of unusable pesticides. Pesticides become unusable for many reasons, including loss of potency, exposure to temperature extremes, cancellation or suspension by state or federal authorities, or growers’ decisions to change their cropping rotations or practices.” said Victor Mason II, Agricultural Resources Division Administrator.
ISDA asks that participants register the total number of pounds of pesticides requested for disposal by calling a local ISDA field office or the Boise office at (208) 332-8605.
For more information about the collections, please visit the ISDA website — https://agri.idaho.gov/main/56-2/pesticides/pesticide-disposal/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ryan Ward
Phone: (208) 332-8531
Main: (208) 332-8500
Nursery, Landscape and Floral Research/Education – Call for 2020 Proposals
Each year, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture Nursery and Florist Advisory Committee (ISDA), in cooperation with the Idaho Nursery & Landscape Association, awards financial grants to support research/education efforts that would benefit the Idaho nursery, landscape, and floral industry. These grants are primarily funded by the nursery industry itself through the collection of a Nursery Research Assessment Fee collected by the ISDA from each nursery license issued. Proposals are now being sought for the 2020 project year. Proposals must be sent via e-mail or postmarked on or before October 15, 2019.
All research/education proposals should be for a one-year duration only.
A brief written mid-year report and a detailed final report setting forth the research/education results are required as part of the grant process. These written reports must follow specific guidelines, which are available at the above-mentioned website.
Funding for all approved projects is provided in the following allotments: 50% paid upon project approval and 50% paid upon receipt and approval of the final report. For approved projects totaling less than $5,000.00, funding will be paid upon project approval.
Research/education project proposals are reviewed, evaluated and prioritized by the members of the Idaho Nursery and Florists Advisory Committee, which consists of representatives from the nursery and floral industry, the University of Idaho, and ISDA. Final approval and grant awards will be made by the Committee in January of 2020.
While all submissions are encouraged, the Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association Research Committee have compiled the following list of suggested research topics that would benefit the Idaho Nursery, Landscape, and Florist industry.
INLA Recommendations for 2020 Grant Projects
- Grower practices and regimens that would increase winter hardiness in woody
plants. This could include a study of overwintering containerized nursery stock and
establishing a database to determine low-temperature tolerances for the root
zones of various species. - White Pine weevil
- Western Spruce Budworm
- Tussock Moth – residential
- Newest tools for Diagnosing Plant Problems
- The newest technology for watering practices for healthy plants
- Effectiveness of organic/natural pesticides (including but not limited to
herbicides insecticides and fungicides) for the Pacific Northwest - Effectiveness of organic/natural fertilizers for the Pacific Northwest
Jared K. Stuart
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
Plant Industries Division
P.O. Box 7249
Boise, ID 83707
Tel: 208-332-8620 Fax: 208-334-2283 E-Mail: Jared.Stuart@ISDA.Idaho.gov
Clean, Drain and Dry to Stop Invasive Species This Fourth of July
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is reminding boaters to take measures during the Fourth of July holiday to prevent spreading invasive species, such as quagga and zebra mussels.
The ISDA’s invasive species watercraft inspection program is in its eleventh season of operation.
“Public involvement is the program’s greatest asset,” said ISDA Invasive Species Coordinator Nic Zurfluh. “This is a popular weekend for recreating in Idaho’s waterways, and we want to remind the public they are the best line of defense in preventing the spread of invasive species. We hope watercraft users remember three simple but effective strategies: Clean. Drain. Dry.”
- CLEAN watercraft and equipment before leaving any waterbody. Clean watercraft, anchors, planes, trailers, waders, shoes, and gear for visible plants and pests. Dispose of material on-site in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of it washing into a waterbody.
- DRAIN water from all equipment, including motors, live wells, sea strainers, wakeboard ballast tanks, boat hulls, scuba gear, bait buckets, and boots. Pull the boat’s bilge plug and allow water to drain.
- DRY all vessel compartments and lay equipment out to dry before using in a different waterbody.
This year, the ISDA and its cooperators have performed more than 45,000 watercraft inspections. Inspectors have found 35 mussel-fouled watercraft carrying dead, non-viable mussels.
Law enforcement officers across the state are indispensable partners in Idaho’s watercraft inspection program. So far this year, officers have turned back for inspection nearly 1,000 vehicles traveling with boats or watercraft.
“Idaho State Police supports the ISDA in this important initiative, and for that reason, we have Troopers working with them at watercraft inspection stations to ensure Idaho is kept safe and clean,” said ISP Colonel Kedrick Wills. “As Idahoans, we want to keep our lakes and waterways free of harmful, invasive species because we’re well aware of the damage they can cause.”
The ISDA and its cooperators operate 20 watercraft inspection stations strategically positioned at important corridors into Idaho. The program also includes six roving inspection teams.
“We’ve worked hard on this program but we certainly haven’t worked alone,” said ISDA Director Celia Gould. “We are very grateful for committed cooperators, law enforcement service, strong legislative backing, and the support of important partners such as Idaho Power. A collaborative approach is the only option for a threat of this magnitude.”
Before launching on Idaho waters, all watercraft must have a current invasive species sticker, which is sold by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) at many locations across the state.
“Keeping Idaho’s waterways free from invasive species requires the diligence of all boat owners, including non-motorized vessels,” said Jennifer Okerlund, Communications Manager for the IDPR. “Idaho law states that any motorized or non-motorized boat operating in Idaho is required to display an Invasive Species Fund sticker. Only inflatable, non-motorized vessels that are less than 10 feet in length are exempt from this requirement.”
Watercraft users are required by law to stop for inspection when traveling past an Idaho invasive species station during operating hours. Owners are encouraged to participate in the inspection process to learn ways to keep watercraft cleaned, drained and dry.
The ISDA operates a hotline at (877) 336-8676 for anyone needing information or a free decontamination wash for watercraft that may have been in mussel-infested waters.
More information on the operation of inspection stations is available on the ISDA website: http://invasivespecies.idaho.gov/watercraft-inspection-stations/. For real-time program updates visit: https://idaho.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/91aa2987ab5542b08523d6a9056697d2.
Equine Infectious Anemia Confirmed In Idaho
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has received confirmation of equine infectious anemia (EIA) diagnosed in a horse that was transported from Washington back to its home in Canyon County in May 2019.
Most commonly transmitted by biting insects, EIA is an infectious and potentially fatal viral disease of horses. Needles and equipment contaminated with blood from an infected horse also can spread the virus to other horses. At this time, there is no vaccine available to prevent EIA. The disease does not pose a human health risk.
The Coggins test is the most commonly used laboratory analysis for the antibodies to EIA. All states require that horses have a negative Coggins test before interstate movement.
“Horse owners are strongly encouraged to incorporate an annual Coggins test into their animal health regimen regardless of whether they travel interstate,” said ISDA State Veterinarian Dr. Bill Barton. “Horses that acquire EIA are infected throughout their lives and will remain a source of infection to other horses in close proximity, so Coggins tests are incredibly important to managing the spread of EIA.”
The symptoms of a horse infected with EIA are often subtle and may go unnoticed. EIA-positive horses may develop a low-grade fever or become lethargic as well as demonstrate weight loss, yellowing of body tissues, anemia, swelling in limbs, and weakness.
Not all EIA-positive horses will show signs of illness, and these animals serve as inapparent carriers. Horses demonstrating clinical signs of EIA pose the greatest risk of spreading the virus. However, inapparent carriers can be a source of infection and pose a risk to other horses.
Idaho law has strict requirements for EIA-infected horses in the state, including isolation from other horses for the life of the animal.
For more information about EIA or updates, please visit the ISDA website: https://agri.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/animal-industries/EIA-Factsheet.pdf.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chanel Tewalt
June 4, 2019
Phone: (208) 332-8615
Farmers Markets Kick-Off 2019 Season
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is marking the beginning of the 2019 farmers market season. Idaho’s farmers markets continue to be a popular location for purchasing local food and agriculture products including fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, honey and more. Farmers markets are an excellent source of quality, local products, and these venues truly showcase the bounty of Idaho agriculture. There are 45 farmers markets throughout the state spanning northern Idaho to eastern Idaho and many places in between.
“Farmers markets continue to be an important part of many communities in Idaho and provide access to locally grown food,” says Skylar Jett, ISDA Trade Specialist. “They provide a venue for the community to come together to support Idaho’s farmers and producers as well as the local economy”.
To help consumers find information about farmers markets in their area, the ISDA, in collaboration with the Idaho Farmers Market Association, releases the annual Idaho Farmers Market Directory. The newest version of the guide is currently available online at https://agri.idaho.gov/main/marketing/domestic-marketing/farmers-markets/. The 2019 guide is also distributed to Idaho Visitor’s Centers, local chambers of commerce and all Idaho farmers markets.
Later this summer, Idaho Farmers Market Week will be recognized in conjunction with National Farmers Market Week from August 4 – 10. Farmers markets will host a variety of events throughout the week. More information on Idaho Farmers Market Week will be available in the coming months at www.idahopreferred.com
Farmer-Chef Collaborative Connects Restaurants with Local Producers
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s (ISDA) Idaho Preferred Program will host a Treasure Valley Farmer-Chef Collaborative on April 29, 2019. The Farmer-Chef Collaborative aims to build connections among the culinary community and local agriculture while meeting consumer demand for local foods and beverages.
Farmers, ranchers, wine makers, craft breweries, food producers and chefs will have a unique opportunity to network and discuss ways to provide fresh, local agricultural products to restaurants at this year’s event, which is open to media.
Farmer-Chef Collaborative
April 29, 2019
2270 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise
5:30 – 8 p.m.
The Treasure Valley has a thriving culinary scene. Local chefs and restaurants continue to support local agriculture producers by prominently offering Idaho grown and raised commodities along with seasonal menus featuring farm fresh local products. The local food movement has succeeded in driving demand and opportunity for both local farmers and the economy.
“The ISDA’s Idaho Preferred Program has been hosting farmer-chef collaboratives throughout the state since 2008,” said Skylar Jett, Marketing Specialist for the Idaho Preferred Program. “These events have been very successful in fostering new relationships and new business opportunities among chefs and producers”.
In addition to local restaurants, several schools are sending representatives to the Farmer-Chef Collaborative. There is significant interest within the Farm to School Program for serving even more local foods in Idaho schools.
To register for the Farmer-Chef Collaborative, or to request more information, please contact Megan Harper at at (208) 332-8532 or megan.harper@isda.idaho.gov. To learn more about the Idaho Preferred Program, please visit www.idahopreferred.com.
FDA Publishes Final Rule Extending Compliance Dates for Agricultural Water Provisions
Larger farms are now required to comply with the agricultural water requirements by January 26, 2022, while small farms have until January 26, 2023 and very small farms until January 26, 2024. This rule does not change the compliance dates for sprout operations.
FDA Publishes Final Rule Extending Compliance Dates for Agricultural Water Provisions
FDA Publishes Guidance for Industry: Enforcing Policy for Entities Growing, Harvesting, Packing, or Holding Hops, Wine Grapes, Pulse Crops and Almonds.
The purpose of this document is to state the intent of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, we, or the Agency) not to enforce the requirements of the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption regulation (21 CFR Part 112) as they apply to entities growing, harvesting, packing and holding certain commodities.
FDA Publishes Final Rule Extending Compliance Dates for Agricultural Water Provisions
Pesticide Exams – Online Registration now Available.
You can now register for Pesticide Applicator Exams and Recertification Seminars online.