IFCA learned this week that EPA is working on a plan to address pesticide bottlenecks over endangered species (ESA).  This is a high priority for the agency to meet court-ordered deadlines to evaluate the impacts of crop protection chemicals such as neonicotinoids and sulfoxaflor on federally listed species. EPA identified more than 50 pesticide active ingredients “covering over 1,000 pesticide products, with court-enforceable deadlines to comply with the ESA or in pending litigation alleging ESA violations,”. Next in line are new registrations for conventional pesticide active ingredients. The agency announced earlier this year it would not register such new active ingredients without assessing their impacts on endangered species beforehand.  In all, EPA estimates about 530 different actions annually “may require ESA review.”

 

Click here to read more. IFCA is working with CropLife America and Ag Retailers Association on what the next steps might be in working with EPA.