The United States Department of Agriculture has stood its ground of refusing to pay claims filed by two Idaho families. Their arguments allege the department's pesticide treatment contaminated their crops and poisoned a cattle herd in the process.
According to KTVN, the Department is keen on standing by its decision. However, it gave an alternative solution to the families by filing a lawsuit, which could bankrupt the families and risk $70 million potato pest eradication program.
The Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) was previously discovered in 2006, threatening the state's $900 million industry. In trying to recurvate the situation, the USDA began treating infected fields with methyl bromide. The treatment was stopped in 2014 even after it reduced the pests due to concerns from a grower.
Seattle Times reported that among the concerns presented by Idaho State Department of Agriculture, there are reports of cattle with oozing lesions and spontaneously aborted calves. Karen Eldredge, member of the plaintiffs, said they "continue to deal with this emotionally, physically, and financially 100 percent" on their own and the only thing they have ever asked is a path forward.
The pesticide used, methyl bromide, is widely known but rarely used. Since 2005, it has been restricted due to its effects to the ozone layer. A case in 2015 revealed that it was responsible for nearly killing a family due to inhalation of neurotoxins.
ABC News published that over the period of 2013 and 2014, the Eldredge- Kelley fields were treated by the same pesticide and the cows of the farms experienced lesions and swelling from excess fluid after being fed. The family said they secured loans to keep their operations and even asked for veterinarians before discovering that the crops are poising the herd.
However, USDA officials are still not convinced that the methyl bromide made the cows sick, adding that Environmental Protection Agency should be the one to blame in the case. The families' claims are still unjustified but documents show that the cost to both families are within $450,000.
