WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Agriculture policy, pesticide labeling, and public perception of modern farming practices are all under increasing scrutiny as Congress continues work on the next Farm Bill and related regulatory proposals.
Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Executive Director of the Modern Ag Alliance, joined us on Market Day Report Weekend to discuss the organization’s mission and the broader debate surrounding pesticide use, labeling standards, and litigation affecting agriculture.
In her conversation with RFD News Anchor Eliza Petry, Burns-Thompson outlined the mission of the Modern Ag Alliance, emphasizing its focus on supporting farmers’ access to crop protection tools and improving public understanding of how modern agriculture operates. She also discussed the “Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act,” explaining why the coalition supports efforts to create more consistent, science-based standards for pesticide labeling across states and legal jurisdictions.
Burns-Thompson noted that, although standalone legislation did not advance, related pesticide-labeling provisions were incorporated into the House version of the Farm Bill. Burns-Thompson shared expectations for the Senate process and what advocates are hoping to see as lawmakers negotiate final language.
Eliza and Elizabeth also discussed ongoing litigation and public debate surrounding glyphosate. Burns-Thompson responded to concerns about food safety perceptions, emphasizing the coalition’s message that approved crop protection tools undergo rigorous regulatory review and remain essential to efficient food production.
Burns-Thompson went on to discuss what could happen to the food supply if farmers lost access to widely used herbicides like glyphosate, pointing to potential impacts on yields, production costs, and conservation practices such as reduced tillage. She added that a key driver of the disconnect between consumers and agriculture is the growing gap between how food is produced and how it is perceived, particularly in online and media environments.
Finally, Burns-Thompson reflected on her personal background, growing up on a farm in Iowa, and on what it means to advocate for producers navigating policy and public opinion challenges.
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