EPI Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safe Use and Action Plan

The purpose of this document is to conduct a Pesticide Evaluation Report (PER) and Safe Use and Action Plan (SUAP) to bring USAID-funded projects into compliance with USAID’s environmental regulations (Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations part 216, or Regulation 216) on pesticide use. Beyond compliance, this document offers best practices and helps ensure that projects reduce the chances for errors and liability.

This 2011 PERSUAP was developed for and under the direction of CNFA. It applies to all of the current or forthcoming agriculture assistance projects for Georgia. This approach was used to economize resources such that each USAID project would not need to duplicate costs to produce their own PERSUAP report. Moreover, the objective is to have one document, which can guide and inform the work of the COTR and MEO where pesticides are or could be involved in any project in Georgia.

Before errors (such as human poisonings) occur, it is the responsibility of USAID project implementers to put these mitigation recommendations into action, as soon as possible. Implementers will then monitor changes in risks, impacts, and mitigation success using EMMPs (Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans). Finally, the implementers will report positive or negative changes from mitigation success baselines in semi-annual reporting instruments.

The report begins with sections that evaluate background and risks across the inputs sectors in Georgia, including treatment of seed, field crops, greenhouse crops, and livestock as well as processing. And, it promotes the use of preventive and curative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Good Agriculture Practices (GAPs). It analyzes pesticide active ingredients registered for use in Georgia and recommends against use of pesticides containing active ingredients that are: not EPA registered, Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), Class I, Known Carcinogens, and Known Water Pollutants.