Mr. Dean Zuleger
Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association
Post Office Box 327
Antigo, Wisconsin 54409-0327

Ms. Sarah Lynch
World Wildlife Fund
1250 24th Street, Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20037

Dear Mr. Zuleger and Ms. Lynch:

On behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, I wish to congratulate the Wisconsin growers and the World Wildlife Fund for their successful partnership to reduce the use of toxic pesticides and increase adoption of Integrated Pest Management. This Administration strongly supports this initiative, which prevents pollution and reduced risks to infants and children. In 1994, the Administration committed to Congress that EPA would work with our stakeholders to reduce reliance on toxic pesticides.

This initiative is a great example that indeed growers can reduce the use of risky pesticides. The progressive work of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association stands as a model for other commodity groups around the nation. The goals Wisconsin potato farmers set in 1996 to reduce acute and chronic pesticide toxicity were ambitions and viewed by many as impossible. Wisconsin farmers have exceeded their goals for the first two years of this project by reducing the use of highly toxic pesticides by 25 percent. You are well on your way to achieving a full phase-out of highly toxic pesticides by the year 2001. I am please to know that the World Wildlife Fund is honoring Wisconsin potato growers with its "Gift to the Earth" award.

In closing, I commend your accomplishment and commit to you that the Agency will continue to work with you, the sate officials and all of our stakeholders to reduce pesticide risks.

Sincerely,

Lynn R. GOldman, M.D.
Assistant Administrator

Last Updated on 6/7/99
By Karen Lutz
Email: karen@hillnet.com