Special Report

A new regulatory environment for agriculture

A policy specialist says there is some concern about how the administration will work on ag policy.

Jim McVaney, senior director of federal relations and policy with Bayer CropScience says the administration has been fairly quiet about specific ag issues. 

But, he tells Brownfield – he expects some of that to change.  “As Governor Perdue is seated in the USDA and as the staff in the White House on ag policy gets filled out further and USTR (US Trade Representative) ag rep gets put into place you’ll see more policy messaging coming from those people than out of the White House,” he says. 

McVaney says one of President Trump’s campaign promises was to ease regulatory burdens.

He tells Brownfield that is good for all aspects of agriculture.  “Improved predictability and hopefully not creating an environment where timelines are extended or additional costs are unnecessarily added ,” he says.  “Farmers need more tools to fight weed resistance and pest resistance. It takes 10-plus years to get a new crop protection chemistry to market – you could argue that is not sustainable.”

McVaney says some of the Executive Orders issued by President Trump have signaled the President is mindful of the impact rules and regulations have on the agriculture industry.

Last month President Trump signed an executive order directing the EPA to rescind or rewrite the Waters of the US rule.

AUDIO: Jim McVaney, Bayer CropScience

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