The purpose of this kit is to address the concerns of farmers in the Chesapeake Bay region with at-a-glance, constructive information on a number of important issues related to the use of pesti- cides, especially Best Management Practices (BMPs) and conservation planning to reduce pesticide impact on health and the environment. Pesticides play a critical role in modern agriculture, helping farmers protect crops from damage by insects, weeds, rodents and molds — thus increasing the yield, or storage life of crops. However, a growing body of research links them to a range of acute and chronic illnesses, as well as the environmental decline of the Bay watershed.

The fact sheets in this kit were developed by the Project's Agriculture Working Group, which consists of experts with a range of opinions on BMPs. Group members include experts from USDA, UMD Extension Services, MD Organic Farmers Association, IPM Institute of North America, Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, as well as riverkeepers and officials from watershed associations. Their participation does not imply endorsement or agreement with all aspects of this document. With their input, every effort was made to take into account the varying perspectives of farmers regarding BMPs — both in terms of the benefits they see from pesticides, as well as their increasing concern about the health impacts from ongoing exposure to these chemicals. All journals cited are peer reviewed scientific publications. In addition, a significant portion of the sourcing for this kit comes from a variety of content provided by the agricultural extension services and scientifically respected non-profit organizations.

The Kit is intended to provide helpful information on key concerns: pesticides and family health, the impact of pesticides on the Bay, conservation planning, best management practices and alternative practices — all of which are economically and environmentally sound.