House Committee on Agriculture Hears Concerns from Farmers, Ranchers, and Experts
The actions, or lack thereof, of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been a cause for concern among American farmers and ranchers. During a recent hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture, stakeholders from the agricultural industry, including farmers, a rancher, a plant scientist, and members of Congress, voiced their worries about the regulatory regime imposed by the EPA. The hearing, titled “Examining the consequences of EPA’s actions on American agriculture,” shed light on the challenges faced by farmers and the potential impact of EPA regulations on their livelihoods.
Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) emphasized the importance of agriculture in environmental conservation and food production. He expressed concerns about the federal government’s role in creating uncertainty and additional costs for farmers and ranchers through unworkable regulations. Thompson noted that despite the EPA Administrator’s previous commitments to work with farmers and ranchers, the agency has introduced rules and regulations that contradict those promises, targeting crop protection tools and fundamentally changing the pesticide registration process.
EPA’s Impact on Crop Protection Tools and Pesticide Registration
One of the major concerns raised during the hearing was the EPA’s targeting of specific crop protection tools that are crucial for agricultural production. The agency’s draft Vulnerable Species Pilot Program and draft herbicide strategy could limit the use of critical crop protection tools, affecting farmers’ ability to protect their crops. Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture has expressed significant concerns about these actions, emphasizing the need for a science-based and practical approach to environmental regulations.
Jeff Kippley, a South Dakota farmer and vice president of the National Farmers Union, stressed the importance of reasonable environmental regulations that are based on science, appropriate in size and risk, and easy to follow. He called for regular engagement and partnership between the EPA and farmers to limit the impacts of regulations on family farmers and ranchers.
Dr. Rebecca Larson, chief scientist for Western Sugar Cooperative, highlighted the essential role of pesticides in climate-smart farming and food production. Pesticides minimize food waste caused by crop losses from pests and diseases. Larson emphasized that EPA actions that eliminate or restrict the use of pesticides by American farmers raise significant concerns, as they directly impact plant health, productivity, and human health. She also highlighted the role of pesticides in improving soil health and increasing crop yield.
Slow Approval Process for Pesticides
The slow approval process for pesticides by the EPA was another issue discussed during the hearing. U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) raised concerns about the lengthy and costly review process for new products and chemical mixes. The approval process can take over six years and millions of dollars, hindering the development of new products for American fruits and vegetables. De La Cruz emphasized the need for the EPA to expedite the approval process, reducing the time and cost involved. This would enable American farmers to have access to a wider range of tools for their crops and compete more effectively in global markets.
Uncertainty Surrounding Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule
The hearing also addressed the uncertainty caused by the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. The rule outlines which waters fall under federal jurisdiction, impacting landowners and their ability to make changes on their property. Chris Chinn, testifying on behalf of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, expressed concerns about the expanded jurisdiction of the federal government over wetlands and private property. Chinn called for the EPA to implement the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA and recognize the critical role of states in regulating non-navigable waters.
The House Committee on Agriculture hearing shed light on the concerns of farmers, ranchers, and experts regarding the impact of EPA actions on American agriculture. The targeting of crop protection tools, the slow approval process for pesticides, and the uncertainty surrounding the WOTUS rule were among the key issues discussed. The agricultural industry called for a science-based and practical approach to environmental regulations, emphasizing the need for collaboration and partnership between the EPA and farmers. As the EPA continues to shape regulations, it is crucial to consider the impact on American farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to provide a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply.
