Weed seed concerns face millet producers
Wild Bird Feeding Industry
The Wild Bird Feeding Industry (WFBI) Association has been notified of a stop sale situation in Idaho due to concern of noxious and invasive weed seeds in millet crops.
The WFBI is actively establishing quality standards for birdseed, suet and feeders. A committee has been established to address the following points:
– Determine the origin of the weed seed in the products found to be in violation
– Develop and/or improve methods of removing weed seeds in grains currently in storage and produced for the industry
– Notify the handlers, producers, and the packagers of wild bird seed products and grains that may contain the weed seeds of concern
– Enhance or possibly determine new methods to eradicate weeds and/or seeds in commercial growing areas.
A recent project of WFBI and an alliance of non-profit and government groups resulted in the Web site: http://www.backyardbirdcare.org. For more information, visit the industry Web site at http://www.wfbi.org.