The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced the extension of the fee waiver for the Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program (ACCP), providing relief to licensees involved in pesticide and fertilizer sales. The fee holiday, which began in 2018, will continue through June 2024 for fertilizer sales and the 2023-24 license year for other licensees.
The ACCP fund's balance on May 1 of each year determines whether the fee waiver remains in effect. When the fund exceeds $1.5 million, DATCP can waive the fee; otherwise, surcharge fees are reinstated to restore the fund balance needed for operating the ACCP. This program covers the costs associated with cleaning up agrichemical spills, ensuring environmental protection.
Fertilizer dealers will not include the ACCP surcharge on customers' bills for the fifth consecutive year, while pesticide and fertilizer businesses, commercial pesticide applicators, and pesticide manufacturers will be exempt from paying the surcharge as part of their license fees for the sixth year.
The fee waiver extension brings significant financial relief to licensees and farmers purchasing fertilizer. By alleviating their financial burden, the program enables stakeholders to focus on their operations and agricultural practices. This ongoing support underscores the commitment of DATCP to addressing agrichemical spill cleanup effectively.
To learn more about the ACCP fund, surcharges, and the fee waiver, interested parties can visit the official DATCP website at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ACCPFundSurcharges.aspx. The extension of the fee waiver reflects DATCP's dedication to fostering a sustainable and responsible agricultural industry while safeguarding the environment from the potential risks associated with agrichemical spills.
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Categories: Wisconsin, General