What is the primary purpose of a drift management plan?

The primary purpose of a drift management plan is to minimize negative impacts of drift. Drift refers to the movement of pesticide particles or droplets from the target application site to unintended areas due to wind, temperature inversions, or other environmental factors. A well-defined drift management plan identifies strategies and practices that applicators can use to reduce the likelihood of drift occurring, thereby protecting neighboring crops, non-target species, and sensitive environments.

Reducing pesticide drift is crucial not only for maintaining the efficacy of the application by ensuring that the product targets the intended area but also for safeguarding human health, wildlife, and the ecosystem. While increasing pesticide efficacy and protecting the health of applicators are important, these aspects are often secondary outcomes of a comprehensive drift management strategy that primarily focuses on minimizing unintended consequences that arise from drift. Ensuring proper application rates also contributes to effective pesticide use but does not directly address the specific issue of drift.