Jim mentioned: "Even though the USDA may be contracting out the specific
spray flights,the participation of the grower in the program (and the fact
that the grower permits his land to be sprayed at all) makes the grower
the better target."

True the grower should be the better target, but! But!! BUT!!!!

An Opinion:

(1) The USDA should include provisions in their contract that directly
refers to existing law and US Government Regulations, that which the FDA
has control of and, is written on the label of any pesticide under the
heading of "Environmental Hazards" and "Directions for Use" - if they do
not already do so.
(2) I believe that in "most" if not all states the misapplication of a
pesticide which injures plants, livestock, property, or humans is a crime
and is punishable at the state level and the federal level. Here the
applicator is the responsible party.
(3) Perhaps the EPA should get involved as a lot more living creatures
than honeybees are being killed:http://gardenbees.com/cotton%
20spray/cottonspray.htm
(4) IMO perhaps growers could only plant cotton that is "beetle free".
(5) Our bees need a little more protection than a civil suit; by the time
a beekeeper gets into court the money spent by the beekeeper in a civil
suit can put him under. Its time to take some of the bad guys to jail!

Chuck Norton
Norton's Nut & Honey Farm
Reidsville, NC

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::