Transcript: Rebecca Williams, March 29, 2010

For four years, the EPA has been trying to stop the use of the insecticide carbofuran.

The EPA says there are a couple problems. First, it's toxic to birds. Second, the agency says carbofuran residues on food are not safe for us. FMC Corporation makes the chemical. It's been fighting the EPA for years. Now it's before a U-S appeals court. Corn, sunflower and potato farmers say they need carbofuran.

John Keeling is the CEO of the National Potato Council.

Keeling: Would there be potato production next year in the U.S. without carbofuran? Absolutely. Will it make decisions much more difficult for a lot of growers? Yes.

The trial for the use of the insecticide is expected to last for months.

For The Environment Report, I'm Rebecca Williams.

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