In response to numerous lawsuits, the EPA adopted a comprehensive work plan to improve protection of endangered species and fulfill the obligations of the Endangered Species Act. CropLife America President and CEO Alexandra Dunn said there were concerns that work would have been put on the shelf with the transition to the Trump Administration due to politics. “Fortunately, there were so many stakeholders who put time and energy into those documents; there really was widespread support for them to remain in place,” said Dunn. “I would say the ESA program survived what could have been a very difficult political time and did very well.” EPA finalized strategies for herbicides and vulnerable species in 2023 and insecticides in 2024. The Fungicide Strategy is expected to be unveiled in April. During a forum at the Farm Bureau Convention, CropLife Director of Federal Government Relations Venus Welch-White said farmers will have a menu of practices to reduce the herbicide’s impact on endangered species. “Do you work with a certified crop consultant? Are you in a flat area that reduces the opportunity for runoff?” said Welch-White. “There are a lot of things that can be done based on the type of operation that you have.” Click here to listen to the joint interview.
