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I've had a few inquiries so here is the advice I've been giving: REPLANTING OF FIELDS FLOODED LAST YEAR Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension 3/29/12 Many fields and gardens across Vermont were exposed to flood waters in 2011. The vast majority of these can be planted in the normal fashion this year. The exceptions would be fields that have obvious signs of contamination, such as unusual soil odors, visual evidence of fuel /oils, or hazardous debris. Growers with fields that were flooded last year are urged to submit a soil sample for testing by the UVM to determine if nutrient levels have been affected and if heavy metals have been deposited. See: http://pss.uvm.edu/ag_testing/?Page=soils.html or call 802-656-3030, the cost is $24. To date, testing of soil from over 150 flooded fields in Vermont has revealed no sign of heavy metal contamination. If soils have signs that fuel may be present or if fuel tanks were flooded or deposited nearby, a soil sample can be tested for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Endyne Labs in Williston; cost is $75. Contact them for information: http://www.endynelabs.com/ or (802) 879-4333. (Limited testing for hydrocarbons in several different watersheds did not find cause for concern.) Testing for microbial contamination is not practical due to the number of possible pathogens and variability in their population across a field. However, crops that are being planted this spring on soils that flooded last year should be fine for human consumption. After being exposed to solar radiation, cold temperatures in winter, and other factors that limit their survival in soil, there is little risk of microbial pathogens from last year’s flooding. For example, the commonly accepted waiting period to reduce food safety risks in food crops after application of raw manure is 120 days. Of course, common sense washing routines should be followed before selling or eating produce. Finally, here are the talking points I am using when the media asks me about the situation: 1. there is no evidence that food or soil was contaminated after flooding last year and to assure food safety growers took the precaution of destroying all crops that were touched by flood water. 2. This year any concerns about the effect of past flooding are greatly reduced due to the natural breakdown of microbes and other possible residues during the months that have passed. 3. Vermont's environment remains among the most pristine of any food producing area in the world, and our farmers are well aware of sanitary production practices; thus the food we produce is exceptionally safe. best, Vern