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Chemical security requirements for farmers delayedBISMARCK, N.D. (AP)--Homeland Security officials have delayed a requirement that farmers register with the agency if they have certain amounts of certain chemicals. Farmers and ranchers had been facing a Jan. 22 deadline to come up with a security plan and register it. "Most producers knew nothing about either the requirements or the deadline; most state agriculture departments had not been told of them," said North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, who is president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Homeland Security, in announcing the delay, said the agency is gathering more information on the issue to see if changes to the requirements are warranted, especially in light of a new law that gives the agency authority to regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Johnson said anhydrous ammonia, another popular farm fertilizer in North Dakota, also is included in Homeland Security's list of chemicals. The association Johnson heads brought its worries to Homeland Security, and "It appears the problem is at least temporarily resolved," he said. Homeland Security said the extension, which does not have an ending date, does not apply to chemical dealers or commercial applicators. Johnson said failure to comply with the regulations can result in penalties of up to $25,000 per day, or even the shutting down of a business. Gary Wagner, a registration coordinator for the North Dakota Agriculture Department, said he is not hopeful of a long delay for producers. "Farmers should go on to the (Homeland Security) website and register because there will come a time when this has to be done," he said. "It's just common sense to do it now." 2/18/08 Date: 2/8/08
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