By Scout Nelson
Nebraska Farm Bureau and a coalition of agricultural organizations have voiced strong support for a petition urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to initiate rulemaking on pesticide labeling regulations. The groups submitted a joint letter backing the petition originally filed by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers.
The petition addresses concerns related to a section of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) on false or misleading statements. The coalition fears that, without federal clarity, state-imposed labeling requirements that differ from EPA safety evaluations may mislead users and confuse the public.
The organizations argue that state-specific labels containing warnings not supported by EPA findings could be seen as false or misleading. Such conflicting labels would not only confuse pesticide users but could also undermine trust in science-based regulation.
“These labels may not only disrupt commerce and jeopardize pesticide product access but may also confuse pesticide users and diminish the public’s trust in science and risk-based regulation,” the coalition stated in the letter.
Manufacturers face increasing pressure when forced to comply with multiple, and sometimes contradictory, state mandates. These inconsistencies can lead to confusion over pesticide safety and make it difficult for companies to operate under one clear standard.
The coalition has called on the EPA to take action by clarifying in the CFR that any human health-related labels that differ from EPA-reviewed findings should be considered false or misleading. This step, they argue, would protect industry stability, ensure clarity for manufacturers, and uphold public confidence in federal pesticide regulations.
By supporting this petition, Nebraska’s agricultural groups aim to secure uniform labeling practices, protect access to key products, and preserve the science-driven regulatory system that governs pesticide use in the U.S.
Photo Credits:nebraska-farm-bureau
Categories: Nebraska, General