Modern Ag Crop Production Technologies
The federal government must make decisions based on sound science, peer-reviewed data, and by following a risk-based approach to avoid stripping away the critical crop input supplies (fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants, seed, etc.) and precision ag technologies that ag retailers provide to their farmer customers.
ARA's Position
- Work with Congress, EPA, and state agencies to ensure FIFRA continues to follow a risk-based approach and utilize peer-reviewed data and science when it comes to decisions related to the registration and re-registration of pesticide products
- Support efforts to revise and simplify EPA ESA pesticide strategies to ensure they are achievable and not financially burdensome for ag retailers and farmer customers
- Support codifying oversight of pesticide registrations and regulations at the EPA and state lead agencies
- Support legislation that requires EPA to consult with the USDA’s Office of Pesticide Management during registration and registration review for pesticide products
- Work with agribusiness stakeholders to develop model Extended Producer Responsibility legislation (state and federal) that recognizes industry recycling programs like ACRC and exempts FIFRA-regulated products and other packaging products for fertilizer, seed, etc. that may impact ag retailers and farmer customers
- Work with EPA and industry partners to improve the Drift Reduction Technology program and expand the agency’s understanding of the full range of drift reduction technologies available
- Support state pollinator protection plans (MP3) and native pollinators while challenging unsubstantiated data and opinion that would incorrectly identify purported causes of colony collapse disorder.
- Support continued use of soil fumigants for the ag sector until viable replacements are readily available and accessible.
- Support the registration and re-registration of essential crop protection products that is properly founded on a risked-based analysis and peer-reviewed science, including Section 24(c) label measures.
- Support conservation programs and technical assistance programs that promote the use of precision ag technologies
- Ensure EPA Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) and state-led agencies have Exclusive Pesticide Regulatory Role. (Reaffirm EPA is the primary, federal authority under FIFRA for making pesticide findings and decision. States may regulate pesticide registrations and use, but not impose additional labeling or packaging requirements contrary to claims and scientific findings determined by EPA.)
Each year, ARA members decide a new set of public policy issues to steer the association's advocacy efforts with elected officials and regulatory agencies in Washington during the annual ARA Legislative Fly-In and beyond.
View the list of main policy priorities.
DC Help Desk
ARA's DC Help Desk member service is a direct line to ag public policy experts. Send regulatory and legislative questions to the DC Help Desk for support. ARA members may also use this service to request help when scheduling a facility tour with their elected official in Congress.