Protecting Farmers' Access To The Tools They Need

Product Labeling Uniformity

360+ agricultural and other groups are backing the bipartisan Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act (H.R.4288) to protect our food supply, farmers’ livelihoods, and environment.

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Farmers’ access to pesticides—a critical input for growing crops—is in jeopardy because of misguided state regulatory efforts.

Some states are trying to add labeling requirements to pesticides that directly contradict decades-long scientific conclusions from the EPA.

If not addressed, this will create an unworkable patchwork of regulations that directly impacts the availability of these essential products for farmers—lowering yields, harming farmers’ livelihoods, threatening domestic food security, and ultimately, raising prices for consumers.

The Implications:

Food Security

Farmers rely on pesticides to grow their crops and keep yields high, bolstering domestic food production and ensuring we have enough to eat.

As it stands now, more than 40% of crops are lost to pests and diseases each year. Without pesticides, that number could jump to 85%.

Without pesticides,

85%

of crops could be lost to pests
and diseases each year

Pesticides save families up to

48%

on an average grocery bill

Food Affordability

Without the use of pesticides, lower yields will result in higher food prices.

Pesticides save the average family of four up to 48% on their average grocery bill.

Farmers’ Livelihoods

Farmers already struggle to turn a profit; decreased yields would make it difficult for small family farms to stay in business.

Nearly 3 in 4 farms make less than 10 cents on every dollar they spend—before taxes.

Pesticides allow farmers to grow more with less. Without one of the most commonly used pesticides, farmers' input costs would double.

2x

Without one of the
most commonly used pesticides, farmers' input costs would double

Without pesticides,
farmers would need

2x

the land to grow
the same amount of food

Sustainability

Pesticides allow farmers to grow their crops sustainably, enabling agriculture practices that use less land and resources.

Without pesticides, farmers would need twice as much land to grow the same amount of food due to reduced yields.

The Solution:

The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act
(H.R.4288)

The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act (H.R.4288) clarifies that while states have every right to build on the federal government’s baseline regulations, they cannot directly contradict the scientific findings and rigorous review process of EPA experts.

This bipartisan bill would reaffirm that the EPA is the preeminent authority on pesticide labeling and packaging requirements, while still allowing states and localities to enact use restrictions.

360+ Leading Agricultural Groups Across the U.S. Have Rallied Around H.R.4288 to Stop States’ Back Door Pesticide Bans

Farmers, manufacturers, labor groups, and other leaders in agriculture support protecting farmers' access to these critical tools.

“In recent years we have seen actions from states that directly and unjustifiably contradict EPA’s scientific findings on pesticide safety. These actions risk creating an unworkable, inconsistent patchwork of state or municipal pesticide labels that can quickly disrupt commerce and access to these much needed tools.”

“Lack of certainty on EPA-approved, science-based nationwide labels will erode access to current and future pesticides, threatening crops and grower incomes, conservation practices, public health, vital infrastructure, and ultimately raise food prices for families amidst record-high inflation.”

“Growers and users need reaffirmation from Congress that while states have authority to regulate the sale and use of pesticides within their jurisdiction, they cannot impose labeling or packaging requirements in addition or different from the scientific conclusions of the EPA. . .We support and urge Congress to enact H.R. 4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act.”

READ THE LETTER

Public Support for the
Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act

Help stand up for science-based regulation, America’s food security, our economy, and farmers’ livelihoods.

Click the link below to customize, edit, and send a pre-drafted letter based on your experience. The future of farming in America may depend on it!

Support H.R.4288

info@croplifeamerica.org