From September 29, 2022 post.
Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03), along with Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04), introduced bipartisan legislation to provide farmers with adequate time to learn and adapt to new pesticide restrictions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Farmers often make decisions on inputs many months in advance, and last minute restrictions greatly affect their ability to grow, especially with the recent supply chain bottlenecks. The Farmers Deserve Notification Act would prevent the EPA from canceling, suspending, or enacting new restrictions on pesticides without first providing 270-day, or nine months, advance notice in the Federal Register. The legislation will allow the notice to be waived by a majority vote of the independent Scientific Advisory Panel at the EPA should immediate action be necessary.
“I routinely hear from Iowa farmers about the need for certainty and predictability, especially with the recent supply chain issues stemming from the pandemic,” said Rep. Axne. “Rather than having to navigate last-minute restrictions on their inputs, this bipartisan and commonsense legislation will ensure farmers have enough notice on any modifications to their pest management practices while maintaining the EPA’s ability to act immediately when justified. The EPA plays an important role in protecting our environment, and I’ll continue to support practical ideas to ensure their efforts work with, not against, Iowa’s family farmers.”
“For the last two years, our nation’s producers have been forced to navigate supply chain issues and skyrocketing input costs which have seriously challenged their ability to feed and clothe the American people,” said Rep. Baird. “The EPA’s creation and rapid implementation of new regulations only further disrupts this vital industry, forcing farmers to adapt quickly at the detriment of their crops and conservation practices. Our producers need time to find alternatives which is why I’m proud to work with Rep. Cindy Axne to require the EPA to give our producers the time they need to adapt so they can continue supplying a safe and affordable food supply without interruption.”
“When the EPA enlists restrictions in an untimely manner, they take away the tools necessary for farmers to do their job best. The Farmer’s Deserve Notification Act gives corn growers the time and opportunity to find alternate resources and prepare in advance for the next crop season,” said Stu Swanson, Chairman of the Animal Agriculture and Environment Committee at the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
“Knowing which tools will be available to manage crop production pressures, including weeds, is critical to the success of soybean farmers,” said Iowa Soybean Association President Randy Miller. “Different soy production challenges exist in Iowa and across the 30-plus state growing region. We look forward to this bill’s swift passage to ensure farmers have adequate time to make informed decisions on which options and opportunities will best address their unique production needs.”
Brad Doyle, President of the American Soybean Association and soy grower from Arkansas, applauded Rep. Baird’s and Rep. Axne’s legislation, saying “It is always heartening when Congress comes together in a bipartisan manner to protect the rights of farmers. EPA’s trend of imposing overnight restrictions on tools vital to growers has been disruptive and at times very costly to farmers working in a business that is very time sensitive. The farm economy can’t turn on a dime, and we appreciate Rep. Baird and Rep. Axne for recognizing growers need advanced notice to implement regulatory decisions.”
The Farmers Deserve Notification Act is supported by the Agricultural Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Soybean Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Agricultural Aviation Association, National Onion Association, National Sorghum Producers, Iowa Soybean Association, California Specialty Crops Council, Indiana Corn Growers Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Farm Bureau, National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, and North Dakota Grain Growers Association.
Original source can be found here
