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NewsJune 30, 2002

NEW ORLEANS -- Louisiana rice farmers have received emergency approval from the federal government to use a severely limited pesticide, a move that has angered bird groups. The Environmental Protection Agency restricted the pesticide Furadan in the 1990s after more than 80 bird kills around the country. It hasn't been allowed on rice since 1998...

By Janet McConnaughey, The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS -- Louisiana rice farmers have received emergency approval from the federal government to use a severely limited pesticide, a move that has angered bird groups.

The Environmental Protection Agency restricted the pesticide Furadan in the 1990s after more than 80 bird kills around the country. It hasn't been allowed on rice since 1998.

But Louisiana rice farmers say that the two pesticides recommended for rice weevils just don't work well -- and that the way they use Furadan doesn't kill birds.

The EPA granted emergency approval last week for its use on 100,000 acres of rice in Louisiana which are endangered by rice weevils.

But the Audubon Society and Wild Bird Conservancy persuaded officials to open up a five-day public comment period, which began Thursday, before that takes effect, said Perry Plumart, with the Audubon Society.

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Introducing toxins

"The fact is, you're bringing back an incredibly toxic bird-killer ... What's next? Bringing back DDT?" Plumart said.

The public comment period was cut from the usual 15 days to five so the chemical can be made and applied to fields in time to avoid $6.6 million to $13.2 million in losses, according to a notice sent out Monday.

Louisiana farmers say Furadan has been shown to kill birds on other crops, but not in rice fields.

"I know in the rice country it's not near the problem for wildlife that it is in other areas," said Clarence Berken, president of the Louisiana Rice Growers Association.

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