Apr 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC – CropLife America (CLA) and RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) hosted a convergence of health, science and regulatory professionals in the crop protection and specialty pesticides industries at the 2010 CLA/RISE Spring Conference. Attendees participated in engaging and insightful discussions about the science and policies affecting the development, use and future regulations of new products, fostering an atmosphere of information-sharing and engagement. Presented by CLA and RISE, the conference ran April 15-16 in the greater Washington, DC area.
Sessions at the Spring Conference offered an in-depth analysis of the pressing issues involving the crop protection and specialty pesticide industries. Moderators and panel speakers gave their insight on topics such as Clean Water Act NPDES permitting, spray drift, the Endangered Species Act, the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program and PRIA implementation, among others. Panelists included scientists involved in the development of pesticide products and representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the “Services” (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service).
“It is crucial that U.S. regulatory bodies such as EPA and the Services use sound science in their risk assessment, and work collaboratively with our industry,” said Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA. “Our Spring Conference is a time when we can discuss research, share our knowledge, and continue to ensure the safest products possible through the continued use of practical science.”
The event also included a number of additional speakers representing EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Ralph Otto, interim deputy director at USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and Dr. Steve Bradbury, deputy director of EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, both gave their insight into agency activities and initiatives in 2010. Other speakers included Dr. Jay Lehr, senior scientist at The Heartland Institute, and Bill Buckner, chairman of the board at CLA, and president and CEO of Bayer CropScience.
Allen James, president of RISE, recognized that a robust, science-based regulatory program is essential to providing the benefits of pesticides that are relied upon by consumers and professionals. “These products are necessary to maintaining our high standard of living, protecting public health and keeping our communities safe,” said James. "We will continue to work with EPA and other agencies to make sure those benefits continue.”
Dr. Barbara Glenn, vice president of Science and Regulatory Affairs at CLA, stressed the importance of a strong working relationship with EPA and other regulatory bodies. “We encourage an open dialogue and collaborative work with the U.S. government and agency officials at EPA, USDA and state regulatory offices,” said Dr. Glenn, “and an event such as the Spring Conference is part of CLA and RISE’s continued work to ensure that exchange of data.”
