Driftwatch serves as location for producers and pesticide applicators to communicate sensitive crop locations. Photo by John Blais/Chronicle Media

As planting season continues throughout the state, specialty, organic growers, and apiaries are encouraged to register their crops in the online Driftwatch program to make pesticide applicators aware of their sites.

Driftwatch is an internet-based geographic information system, which allows growers the opportunity to enter the location of their fields on a map.  This information is then accessible to pesticide applicators who can consult the program to avoid spraying sensitive crops.  Applicators can register to receive email alerts when new fields are listed in their area.

“Applicators are encouraged to be good neighbors and utilize this program to protect specialty crops, which cover over 106,000 acres of Illinois farmland,” said Ag Director Philip Nelson.  “At the same time, growers must enter the location of their fields accurately in order for the system to work successfully.”

According to the most recent U.S. Census of Agriculture, sales of all specialty crops in Illinois, including nursery and greenhouse sales, totaled almost $470 million.  Without safe application practices, afforded by the Driftwatch program, those dollars are in jeopardy.   The Driftwatch program helps farmers throughout Illinois protect their crops and their bottom line, which also has a direct impact on the state’s agri-tourism.

To date in Illinois, the program has 128 pesticide applicators, 1,034 producers and 936 apiaries registered.  The state of Illinois has the highest number of registered producers and apiaries amongst all states involved in the program.  Registered producers include bee locations, certified organic growers, organic growers, fruit growers, grape growers, floriculture and greenhouses, and vegetable growers.