I can hardly believe it but it’s true. They’re allowing the use of aminopyralid herbicide again. This is stupidity of the first order. I mean, if there is to be a stupidity competition in the 2012 Olympics, we’re going to win. No question.

This awful persistent herbicide was taken off the market when those clever people (yes that’s sarcasm) at DEFRA finally got it through their extremely thick armour plated skulls to their peanut brains that thousands of gardeners were suffering from the contaminated manure problem.

Even though they took it off the market, the problem is going to be around until 2013 and we’re not going to be able to trust the most natural fertiliser we have. So now they’ve decided to let it out again.

Well whoopee, lets all rejoice that the our government has shown itself to be so careful of the environment and the interests of organic (and non-organic) gardeners. If I sound annoyed, it’s because I am.

Anyway, we can try to do something about it. John Shobbrook of Black Horse Allotments Association has kindly put a petition online for Gordon Brown

Please take a minute to vote – that’s all it will take you.

Ban Aminopyralid – Click Here

More Information on Aminopyralid

From the petition:

A hormone weed killer (Aminopyralid) used on grassland was taken up by grazing animals and remained in manure which, when applied to the land, caused the failure of a wide range of crops including beans, peas, potatoes and tomatoes, soft fruits and flowers. Aminopyralid attaches itself to organic matter and the length of time it takes to beak down completely is as yet unknown. The potential for contamination by aminopyralid and clopyralid is causing growers to lose confidence in peat free composts. Due to the occurrence of patches of contamination in organic matter it is extremely difficult if not impossible to ensure an uncontaminated end product. A receiver of contaminated material is landed with a problem of disposing of toxic waste. After widespread protests it was withdrawn in August 2008 but an application has been made for its reinstatement. We believe that, even taking into account improved stewardship, the use of this chemical cannot be adequately controlled

From this web site:

Testing For Aminopyralid Contaminated Manure

My original post on the subject: Aminopyralid Herbicide Residue in Manure Killing Crops

Then the update at Contaminated Manure Aminopyralid Update

Next the good news: Aminopyralid Suspended Official

Finally: What to do if you have Aminopyralid Contaminated Manure