Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: April 23, 2007

Department of Agriculture Protects Investment of Boll Weevil Eradication Program

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), at the request of the Missouri Cotton Grower’s Organization, conducted a referendum and cotton producers voted to begin post-eradication monitoring in 2008 for continued monitoring of boll weevil – an insect that costs Missouri cotton producers more than $7 million a year in crop loss and pesticide use.

“The Missouri Boll Weevil Eradication Program is scheduled for completion this year,” said Judy Grundler, program administrator with MDA. “Cotton production in the Bootheel region has steadily increased during the course of the program with a record high production of over 1.1 million bales in 2006. Post-eradication in 2008 will help in monitoring the boll weevil and protect our investment in the eradication program.”

The referendum was conducted and ballots were opened at the University of Missouri Delta Center on April 3, 2007. Cotton producers voted in favor of the post-eradication program with a 72% majority vote which is above the required two-thirds majority. For more information regarding the referendum or the Missouri Boll Weevil Eradication Program, contact Judy Grundler at (573) 526-9548.

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