Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) joined Members of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power in passing the draft “U.S. Agricultural Sector Relief Act of 2012,” which seeks to ensure American farmers have access to the agricultural fumigant methyl bromide for critical uses.  The Subcommittee held a hearing on the draft legislation yesterday, where Upton welcomed testimony from Russ Costanza, owner of Russell Costanza Farms in Sodus, Michigan.  As a southwest Michigan grower who employs 125 workers, Costanza provided first-hand testimony on the importance of ensuring methyl bromide remains available to farmers on a limited basis for critical uses.

“With this spring’s devastating frosts and the subsequent summer drought, farmers in Michigan and throughout the country are already facing one of the worst growing seasons in decades,” said Upton.  “For many crops and uses there are adequate substitutes, and as a result, methyl bromide usage is down by over 90 percent.  But in those cases where no viable alternative is available, methyl bromide must remain available to our growers.  This legislation is critical to the livelihood of countless Michigan farmers, farming communities, and thousands of spinoff jobs like trucking and processing, not to mention that the safety of our nation’s food supply hangs in the balance.”

Costanza described the necessity of continued methyl bromide availability, and warned that the lack of alternatives was creating a farming crisis in America. “Due to the lost quality and yields associated with these crops, we have experienced decreased profits for our remaining workers and our farm. My family, our workers, and I pride ourselves on providing high quality and affordable food to U.S. consumers and to making a meaningful contribution to our country’s economy. Unfortunately, our ability to do so is vanishing due to the lack of methyl bromide or an effective, affordable alternative,” said Costanza. “I cannot overstate the importance of access to methyl bromide for my farm operation and my fellow Michigan growers. We are facing a crisis and need relief.”

For decades, methyl bromide was widely used in the United States for agricultural applications, including for the cultivation of strawberries, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, flowers, and tree and vine crops, and at food storage, processing and handling facilities. Under the Montreal protocol and Title VI of the Clean Air Act, the United States has phased out the use of methyl bromide except for critical uses and other exemptions. Since 2005, U.S. nominations for critical use exemptions have decreased by over 90 percent. The proposed legislation would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue to seek critical use exemptions for methyl bromide under the treaty for the full amounts necessary, and to allow for the use of limited quantities of methyl bromide in response to emergency events.