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Congressman Baird helps introduce bipartisan bill to advocate for farmers
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Fourth District Indiana Congressman Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) and Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03) Thursday introduced the Farmers Deserve Notification Act which gives farmers nine months to adapt to any new restrictions on pesticides.
“For the last two years, our nation’s producers have been forced to navigate supply chain issues and skyrocketing input costs which have seriously challenged their ability to feed and clothe the American people,” Rep. Baird said. “The EPA’s creation and rapid implementation of new regulations only further disrupts this vital industry, forcing farmers to adapt quickly at the detriment of their crops and conservation practices.
“Our producers need time to find alternatives which is why I’m proud to work with Rep. Cindy Axne to require the EPA to give our producers the time they need to adapt so they can continue supplying a safe and affordable food supply without interruption,” Baird added.
“I routinely hear from Iowa farmers about the need for certainty and predictability, especially with the recent supply chain issues stemming from the pandemic,” Rep. Axne said. “Rather than having to navigate last-minute restrictions on their inputs, this bipartisan and commonsense legislation will ensure farmers have enough notice on any modifications to their pest management practices while maintaining the EPA’s ability to act immediately when justified. The EPA plays an important role in protecting our environment, and I’ll continue to support practical ideas to ensure their efforts work with, not against, Iowa’s family farmers.”
The Farmers Deserve Notification Act would prevent the EPA from canceling, suspending, or enacting new restrictions on pesticides without first providing a 270-day advance notice in the Federal Register.
If new data or science demands restrictions to go into effect sooner, the 270-day requirement can be waived by a majority vote of the independent FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel.
The Farmers Deserve Notification Act is supported by the Indiana Corn Growers Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Farm Bureau, the Agricultural Retailers Association, the American Soybean Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, California Specialty Crops Council, Iowa Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Agricultural Aviation Association, National Onion Association, National Sorghum Producers and North Dakota Grain Growers Association.