TFBF Tells EPA to Rescind its Herbicide Strategy

Published: Oct. 23, 2023

Tennessee Farm Bureau provided input to EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, opposing their proposal to impose increased restrictions on agricultural herbicide. EPA requested comments on its proposed Herbicide Strategy Framework. EPA has been under pressure to adhere to the requirements of the Endangered Species Act and, in response, has developed a multi-faceted work plan addressing the registration process for crop protection products and strategies for application to protect listed species. The proposed Herbicide Strategy is one part of the work plan, focusing specifically on agricultural herbicide use. The plan seeks to:

  • Develop an “efficacy point” system for specific runoff and erosion mitigation practices and is proposing applicators must meet a pre-determined number of points before applying particular herbicides;
  • Designate pesticide use limitation areas where critical habitats of different listed species are believed to be located and impose more extensive restrictions on pesticide applicators within these areas; and,
  • Establish spray drift buffers of up to 500 feet for aerial applications and up to 200 feet for grounds sprays in areas where critical habitats of listed species are believed to be located.

“Farmers take pride in being the stewards of the land bestowed upon them to produce the world’s food, fiber and fuel. Part of this responsibility is actively working to protect our natural resources and species under threat,” writes Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry. “A common-sense approach by EPA to protect these species and the environments they inhabit would be applauded by the agriculture community. However, this proposal is an excessive overreach of that responsibility and will undo the extensive strides agriculture has taken throughout history to reduce its environmental impact.”

Read the full comments here.