The rainy weather has put Maine's potato crop in jeopardy. The conditions are perfect for the spread of late blight (Phytophthora Infestans).
Potato farmers need to spray their crop to kill off the disease, but haven't been able to get into the fields because of all the rain.
So they need aerial pesticide applicators, but there aren't enough licensed pilots in the state.
On Wednesday the Board of Pesticides Control voted for an emergency rule change, that will allow out-of-state aerial sprayers to work in Maine.
So they need aerial pesticide applicators, but there aren't enough licensed pilots in the state.
On Wednesday the Board of Pesticides Control voted for an emergency rule change, that will allow out-of-state aerial sprayers to work in Maine.
The out of state aerial sprayers have already passed exams in their home state, the rule change will mean they won't have to pass Maine exams before working here.
