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Crop protection industry seeks more effective EPA

A crop protection industry official is calling for an efficient and effective EPA Office of Pesticide Programs.

CropLife America senior director of government affairs Kelly Bray says the regulatory process is critical to registrants and the growers who use those products.

“In how they are able to study a product, do those tests, put those labels together, and get that on the market.  And it’s important for producers because as new products and technology comes out, they want to be able to use that and know that it’s safe as soon as possible.”

Speaking to farm broadcasters Wednesday, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt said his agency is addressing a backlog of more than 1,000 chemicals waiting for approval.

Bray tells Brownfield the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act has been beneficial and needs to be renewed.

“It’s a fee for service that our registrants pay to make sure there are funds available to use to have the scientists on board to be able to do those tests at the Office of Pesticide Programs.”

The Act is effective through the end of September, with fees collected by the EPA supporting re-registration of registered pesticides, approval of inert ingredients and processing certain applications.