Which consequence is commonly associated with drift with respect to public opinion and regulatory actions?

• A. Pest resistance
• B. Crop yield increase
• C. Negative Outcomes
• D. Better product image

Answer: (C)

Drift is the unintended movement of pesticide from the application site to non-target areas, which can harm people, wildlife, crops, or water. When drift occurs, it often triggers public concern about safety and environmental impact. That concern translates into negative public opinion and can prompt regulators to impose stricter controls, such as revised labeling, buffer zones, or restricted use. The end result is negative outcomes for the product’s reputation and its regulatory status. Other options don’t fit as well: pest resistance comes from pest adaptation, not drift; drift doesn’t inherently increase yields; and drift typically harms, not improves, the product image.