Methyl Bromide Only Available Through 2007

The United States Department of Agriculture has decided 2007 applications for critical use exemption would not be forwarded to the international advisory group that provides technical expertise on Methyl Bromide. The basis for the group's decision was that the absence of Methyl Bromide for turf use would not result in a "significant market disruption." Comparatively, food crops may receive exemptions because if a product does not meet consumer standards, it could be imported from other countries. As a participant in the Montreal Protocol and as a requirement of the Clean Air Act, the United States was to reduce its production and net import of Methyl Bromide to 30 percent of the 1991 baseline for 2003 and 2004. In 2005, the target is 0 percent, except for allowable exemptions. In 2002, GCSAA applied for and was granted a critical use exemption for turf in 2005. In 2004, a similar application was made for 2006 and 2007. The United States was the only country filing an exemption for use on turf grass in 2006 and 2007. Government officials indicate there is likely to be enough stockpiled to serve turf grass in 2006 and 2007. Methyl bromide is a highly effective fumigant used to control insects, nematodes, weeds, and pathogens. The United States employs about 60 million pounds of methyl bromide each year. The fumigant is also used extensively at ports of entry on commodities found to be infested with exotic pests whose introduction might cause irreparable harm to U.S. agriculture.