WV Farm Bureau Magazine January 2014 | Page 8

careful consideration of good science and adequate notice prior to enacting laws and regulation affecting agriculture and the costs of producing food products.  AGRICULTURAL DRUGS AND CHEMICALS Farm Bureau, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Cooperative Extension Service, and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture should inform farmers and the public of the significance of agricultural chemicals and the laws and regulations covering their usage. We recommend companies label all packaged chemicals and/or drugs in appropriate weights and measures to assist the homeowner/home gardener or small producer in proper application. We recommend that the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection provide collection centers throughout West Virginia to accept unused farm and household chemicals and containers. We recommend additional emphasis be placed on improved biological controls or integrated pest management control methods. We recommend that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture cooperate with the adjoining State Departments of Agriculture to approve the use of agricultural pesticides to create fair competition for our farmers.  FAIR IMPORTS In order to protect the health and safety of U.S. citizens and the economic well-being of U.S. farmers, Farm Bureau recommends that any agricultural product imported into this country be produced according to the same rules and regulations currently required of U.S. farmers and companies.  SUPPORT OF WV YOUNG FARMERS WVFB actively encourages the support of younger farmers throughout the state and recommends that sufficient resources be