By Jamie Martin
On Friday, January 16, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a significant case that could influence how pesticide labels are regulated across the country. The case examines whether federal approval of pesticide labels should prevent state-level failure-to-warn claims.
The review follows a U.S. Solicitor General filing that supported the continued authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to set national labeling standards. The brief argued that EPA-approved labels should remain on the single, science-based reference for health and safety warnings.
The National Association of Wheat Growers expressed strong support for the Court’s decision. NAWG backs Bayer’s request for clarity on whether federal pesticide law preempts state lawsuits when EPA has not required additional warning language.
The case under review, Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, could have major implications for farmers’ access to crop protection products. Although oral arguments have not yet been scheduled, a ruling could be issued as soon as this summer.
“NAWG welcomes the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to review this case, which centers on a critical issue for America’s farmers. Crop protection tools reviewed and approved through the federal regulatory process are evaluated using rigorous science and risk-based standards to ensure the tools can be used safely and responsibly,” said Sam Kieffer NAWG CEO.
“The Environmental Protection Agency’s determinations provide farmers with a nationwide clear and consistent framework for the use of crop protection tools. When state lawsuits conflict with federal approvals, it creates uncertainty for farmers who rely on EPA-approved products to help protect their crops from weeds and insects to produce a safe, affordable food supply. NAWG looks forward to the Court’s review and hopes it will reinforce the value of having a consistent science-based federal system governing crop protection,” said Kieffer.
NAWG also cautioned that conflicting state lawsuits can disrupt farming operations by creating legal uncertainty. While the Court’s decision is awaited, the group stressed that legislative action at both state and federal levels remains important to protect farmers’ long-term access to proven crop protection tools and maintain a stable food supply.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: National