U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) on June 22 sponsored bipartisan legislation to reaffirm a federal standard stating that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the nation’s single authority on pesticide labeling and packaging requirements.
Doing so would provide certainty and stability for agriculture producers and consumers, according to Rep. Johnson, and ensure the EPA doesn’t take any action, including approving label requirements, contradictory to its science-based views.
“Political agendas in states like California are causing confusion in the ag industry,” Rep. Johnson said. “Labeling decisions must be based on sound science, not unsupported claims that instill fear in consumers. This bill would make it clear there is only one standard to follow.”
The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, H.R. 4288, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), would reaffirm the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which currently governs pesticide use, sales, and labeling.
Specifically, FIFRA gives the EPA exclusive authority to determine labeling and packaging requirements. Under the law, states may regulate the sale or use of pesticides, but they are prohibited from imposing labeling requirements that differ from the EPA’s science-based labels, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Johnson’s staff.
Nevertheless, some states are adding labeling requirements outside of the EPA-approved label that Rep. Johnson says jeopardize the availability of current and future pesticides as companies could have to comply with a patchwork of state labeling requirements.
“Growers depend on resources like herbicides to manage pests and disease prevention, which threatens our food supply chain,” said Rep. Costa. “This bill will assure uniformity in the national pesticide labeling under federal law, which will result in a more sustainable and secure food supply.”
Some 360 organizations support the measure, including the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association, CropLife America, and the Agricultural Retailers Association.