News

State legislation supporting crop management tools introduced

The communications lead for Bayer Crop Science says several state legislatures are considering proposals in support of critical crop management tools for farmers.

Jess Christiansen says bills supported by Bayer and the Modern Ag Alliance, a group of over 90 ag industry groups and businesses, in states like Missouri and Iowa would reinforce the EPA’s health and safety warnings.

“If a company like Bayer, or any other company, goes through the regulatory process, which is really robust in this country,” she says, “and those companies label the products based on the finding of those reviews, then we’ve satisfied the requirement for health and safety warnings.”

She tells Brownfield it’s in part a response to lawsuits targeting chemicals many farmers rely on.

“Types of claims that just aren’t true, and so that puts companies in a very bad situation.”  She says, “When you think about following the process, and being compliant with the regulations and the rules.  We’re a heavily regulated industry, as we should be.”

Christiansen says the legislation would also bring added stability to the ag industry.

“We do want consistency between the federal and the state requirements because we need predictability for the farmers.”  She says, “The farmers need that.  They need to know consistently what they can use and how to use it.  We also need that stability and consistency, so we can keep innovating and keep bringing new tools to farmers.”

She says that would also help ensure a safe and affordable food supply.

Christiansen says proposals are currently under consideration in Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, Mississippi, and Idaho.

AUDIO: Jess Christiansen – Bayer Crop Science