Millions of pounds of agricultural chemicals (agchems) are stored, moved, and safely used in Minnesota without incident. Pesticides and fertilizers are of great benefit to Minnesota but only when they are handled safely and do not adversely affect the environment.

What is the environment? The environment comprises everything that is around us. It includes not only the natural elements that the word "environment" most often brings to mind but also people, buildings and homes. The environment is air, water, plants, animals, houses, restaurants, office buildings, and factories and all they contain. Anyone that uses an agricultural chemical-indoors or outdoors, in the city or the farm - must consider how the storage, transportation, and application may affect the environment.

To promote the safe use of agricultural chemicals in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has many programs. 

• Incident Response: Quick and comprehensive response to new and old agricultural chemical spills.