Oklahoma Farm Bureau stands commmitted to ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens and their food supply.
It supports reasonable legislation to regulate the sale and distribution of ammonium nitrate fertilizer.
"Regulations should allow farmers to purchase ammonium nitrate without acquiring a permit or undergoing criminal background checks,” said Lori Peterson, vice president of public policy for the state’s largest farm organization. “Regulations also should not discourage vendors from selling the product.”
Farm Bureau does not object to any ID check requirement or a requirement that asks sellers to retain the names and addresses of purchasers of the product. With those two provisions in place the agriculture industry believes there would be a high level of security regarding ammonium nitrate use and handling.
Ammonium nitrate is a safe product when used in a reasonable and professional manner. It has been used for more than 50 years as a reliable source of plant nutrients necessary for crop production.
The U.S. fertilizer industry has developed a program that includes guidelines for sellers of ammonium nitrate to ensure the product is sold only to agricultural users.
In addition, farmers take their role in homeland security seriously. The agriculture community participates in efforts with the Agriculture Department to ensure homeland security, and also has voluntarily implemented measures on its own.
“Oklahoma Farm Bureau is committed to a safe and reliable food supply,” said Peterson. “Keeping ammonium nitration as a viable fertilizer option for agricultural producers is imperative in maintaining a steady food supply.”
