Pending Legislative Restrictions on the Use of Agricultural Chemicals on Tobacco

Much progress has been made toward decreasing residue levels of a number of pesticides on tobacco in recent years. However, important problems have not been resolved. Foremost among these are necessary changes in pending tolerance legislation. coresta and other tobacco interests in Europe and North America have responsibly defined the problem areas for the officials charged with legislative action. With but five growing seasons remaining in which to make necessary changes in pest controI procedures, there is still some question about the Ievels of tolerances and exemptions to tolerances. If the internationaI trade of tobacco is to continue, it seems appropriate that by early 1973, there should be provided a list of tolerances which wilI accurately reflect requirements for the 1978 course of action so that growers can take appropriate action. Consumer protection from proven hazards is a necessary goal in the crowded, environmentally conscious world of today, but restrictions on use of pesticides should not be prohibitively stringent where proper evidence does not justify such action