Effective Dec. 18, EPA has granted a two-year exception which will allow workers to hand harvest pesticide-treated roses grown in greenhouses before the restricted entry intervals have expired. According to Roses Inc., Haslett, Mich., which made the request, without an early-entry exception, the domestic cut-rose industry would not survive economically.
Based on written statements received from the rose industry, on information obtained during public meetings, as well as on the Agency's knowledge of rose production, EPA finds that the benefits of early entry over the next two years are substantial. The Agency also believes that early entry under the terms of the exception will not pose unreasonable risks to rose workers. Risks for rose harvesters will be mitigated by the limited time harvesters are allowed in the treated area, the use of personal protection equipment that must be worn by the workers, accessible decontamination facilities, the provision of label-specific information for harvesters and the basic safety information that employers must present to workers.
EPA expects that the rose industry will research and pilot alternative practices which could reduce and possibly eliminate the need for early entry for rose harvesting in greenhouses. EPA is interested in working with the rose industry to identify specific research efforts and explore how best to incorporate practices at individual grower establishments. The Agency expects to meet frequently with the rose industry to discuss implementation of the exception as well as the research efforts.
