SOS

From the federal docket this morning..continuing concern about soil fumigants from a grower's perspective...

SOIL FUMIGANT DOCKETS--REDS--- EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0123,EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0350for the past 20 years my family(OBrien) has been growing approx. 200 acres of strawberries in Manatee county(florida) (75 acres of tomatoes) and have 20 full time employee's and 150 seasonal workers. WE NEED YOUR HELP-- For 20 years we have had a 100%safety record and regard the safety of our employee's and the community to be a #1 priority but if you pass these regs the way they are written you might as well sign our death notice or give us a one way ticket to Mexico. These fumigants have allowed us to stay competitive with our 3rd. world competition without it we will lose any edge we have had but we will continue to experiment with alternitives. My 150 acre farm has some houses around it and the school board has bought the property behind me why does the American farmer get punished (without proof) for the action of others. We have been very good for the land we grow on. We use IPM and cover crops to help maintain good ag practices as do most growers. Your decision will impact the American fresh fruit and veg community for years to come Please we are good stewards of our land and we need your help.