ALTO PASS, Ill. — Just knowing what the neighbors are growing is a first vital step in ensuring herbicide drift does not cause any problems.

This step is easy thanks to DriftWatch, says Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Philip Nelson. Speaking last week from one of Illinois’ oldest wineries, Alto Vineyards in deep southern Illinois, he encouraged anyone using pesticides or who propagate specialty crops or bees to visit www.driftwatch.org to prevent any damage.

At this site, applicators can readily see which sensitive growers are near them on an interactive map, while growers can register their locations to be highlighted on the map. “This is a two-way street,” Nelson said. “In the long term, I think it’s in the best interest of all parties to participate in this program.”

DriftWatch is a program originating from Purdue University in 2010, and now covers 12 states. Its dynamic geographic information system format creates a registry and communication tool allowing applicators and growers to promote awareness and stewardship to help prevent and manage drift effects.

All information on the registry is verified and is targeted to commercial growers, and does not include residential growers or sites less than half an acre in size. Map overlays are available which show county, township and section jurisdictions as well as wind farms, which could exaggerate drift issues.

There’s also a designation showing the types of growers, including beehives, Christmas trees, floriculture or greenhouses, fruits, grapes, greenhouse and high tunnels, herbs, non-specialty certified organic, non-specialty transition to certified organic, nursery crops, pastures, pumpkins or melons, tobacco, tomatoes and vegetables. The site also provides detailed information and links on drift effects on specific crops as well as proper spraying guidance. While Illinois does not track the monetary impact of pesticide drift, Nelson said there’s a huge potential loss in the 106,000 acres of specialty crops grown statewide with a $470 million sales value. “That’s worth protecting, don’t you agree?” he said.

Illinois Agriculture Department Marketing Director Karen Fraase pointed out direct crop sales are not the only direct economic impact from specialty crops – there’s also agritourism.  This growing industry is not only generating new jobs, it’s a growing state attraction that’s family-friendly and supportive of the local food movement, Fraase said.

She added while Illinois is the fifth largest agriculture state, it also ranks in the top 15 for tourism.

Another proponent is Jennifer Montgomery, executive director of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Assoc. With 108 wineries and more than 1,000 acres in vineyards, the Illinois wine industry now carries a $692 million economic punch, she said.

“It’s vital to our industry to see as much cooperation as possible in this important program,” Montgomery noted.

Currently, the Illinois program is host to 128 applicators, 1,034 producers and 936 apiaries registered on the site. Nelson said Illinois has the highest number of registrants among all participating states in the program.

To register, go to https://driftwatch.org