Costa, Johnson Bill Establishes Ag Product Labeling Uniformity

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) introduced the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act to ensure uniformity of labeling standards for pesticides that are backed by sound science and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Doing so would provide certainty and stability for agriculture producers and consumers.

“Growers depend on resources like herbicides to manage pests and disease prevention, which threatens our food supply chain,” said Costa. “Amidst a global food crisis, we need to avoid any market challenges that will threaten our food security. This bill will assure uniformity in the national pesticide labeling under federal law, which will result in a more sustainable and secure food supply.”

Under current law, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) governs pesticide use, sales, and labeling. FIFRA gives the EPA exclusive authority to determine labeling and packaging requirements. Under FIFRA, states have the ability to regulate the sale or use of pesticides, however, states are prohibited from imposing their own labeling requirements that are different from the EPA’s science-based labels.

Despite EPA’s explicit authority, some states are adding labeling requirements outside of the EPA-approved label. These requirements jeopardize the availability of current and future pesticides as companies could have to comply with a patchwork of state labeling requirements.

The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act reaffirms FIFRA’s standard that the EPA is the single authority on pesticide labeling and packaging requirements. The bill ensures the EPA doesn’t take any action, including approving label requirements, contradictory to the agency’s science-based views. The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act will provide certainty to producers and consumers, ensuring the tools supporting the agriculture industry and food supply chain remain safe and available.

The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act is supported by 360 organizations