In many state legislatures, such as Missouri and North Dakota, there are bills being discussed to make the state pesticide regulations match those at the federal level. These bills are looking to set a standard for pesticide use to ensure farmers’ access to crop protection tools such as glyphosate.

“It is critically important that we find ways to protect the tools and technologies of today, as well as those in the future,” says Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, executive director of Modern Ag Alliance.

Andrew Mauck, president of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, says it is crucial for farmers to be communicating with lawmakers about the importance of crop protection tools.

“My whole passion toward all this is keeping these products available and use it in a safe way,” Mauck says. “So, the legislation that has passed the house now basically says the federal-approved label is the law, and companies cannot be sued for following it. It doesn’t have to be complicated; it is a straightforward deal.”

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here