From Lab to Label: Innovations That Feed The World Brand Positioning Platform v2
“Modern agricultural science is playing a critical role in addressing many of the toughest issues facing American agriculture today, including pest management and productivity." - Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Crop Protection Products From Lab to Label: A Lengthy and Methodical Process One of the most heavily regulated industries in the U.S. From research and development to final product approval, process can take up to 10 years to complete. Subjected to more than 120 health, safety and environmental tests to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Who Regulates Our Pesticides? Environmental Protection Agency regulates the use and development of pesticides under two federal laws: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). FIFRA: ensures each pesticide will perform without unreasonable adverse effects on the environment. FFDCA: ensures reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to pesticide residue.
Who Regulates Our Pesticides? Safety at all levels Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Monitors domestic and imported foods for levels of pesticide residues under FFDCA. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Monitors meat, poultry and egg products for pesticide residues. State Pesticide Regulatory Programs Registers pesticides at the state level. Regulates pesticide use, storage, disposal and applicator certification.
Development and Registration Process
Registration & Review: What’s in the Package? Data Toxicity Testing Type and Amount of Residues in Food Any Potential Effects on Plants and Animals Rates at Which the Product Breaks Down
How is the Data Evaluated? Extensive evaluation process by EPA. Assesses potential risks by evaluating both hazard and exposure. Safety factors are then built to account for sensitive populations (children, etc). Evaluates risk via multiple routes (inhalation, oral, skin) and sources (air, water, food, soil). RISK = HAZARD x EXPOSURE
What’s in the Final Label? EPA defines: How a product may be used; How often it may be applied to the crop; What protective clothing and equipment the applicator must use. Many applicators are certified by EPA-approved training courses and examinations in pesticide handling.
Innovative Solutions to Ensure a Food Secure Future The crop protection industry supports a strong regulatory structure to protect the health and safety of America’s farm workers, applicators and consumers. The EPA, state regulatory agencies and the crop protection industry all share the common goal: safe, modern agriculture.