New Tool Helps Farmers Navigate ESA Pesticide Label Requirements

Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Agricultural organizations are rolling out a new resource designed to help farmers better understand and comply with Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements tied to pesticide labels — an area that has become increasingly complex in recent years.

Richard Gupton with the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to explain why the ARA and the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA) teamed up to create this online resource, how it works, and why clear guidance is essential for both producers and the environment.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Gupton discussed the challenges farmers often face when interpreting ESA-related label language, noting that confusion can lead to compliance issues despite producers’ best efforts. He shared how the idea originated, stemming from widespread industry feedback requesting clearer, more practical support for understanding EPA and ESA requirements. He also outlined what the new tool provides, including step-by-step guidance and educational materials to help applicators meet regulatory expectations.

Gupton emphasized the importance of protecting endangered species and ecosystems while ensuring farmers can continue to meet production demands, and encouraged farmers, retailers, and applicators to explore the material as they prepare for the upcoming spray season.

To learn more, visit: https://www.croplifeamerica.org/esa

Related Stories
Dr. Ashley Johnson, with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), joins us to share the sector’s perspective on new FDA initiatives targeting ultra-processed foods.
Among many longstanding traditions at the FFA Convention & Expo is the National FFA Band.
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.
As we continue our Countdown to Convention presented by Culver’s, we meet some of the people who help bring the event to life.
Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
The U.S.-Japan tech pact signals long-term investment in bio-innovation, connectivity, and secure supply chains — all of which can strengthen rural manufacturing, ag exports, and digital infrastructure critical to the next generation of farm productivity.
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
For our Countdown to Convention with Culver’s, we explore how the sea of FFA blue impacts local businesses.

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
The goal of “Where the Food Comes From” is as simple as its name implies — host Chip Carter takes you along on the journey of where our food comes from — and we don’t just mean to the supermarket (though that’s part of the big picture!). But beyond where it comes from, how it gets there, and all the links in the chain that make that happen.
Join markets specialist Scott Shellady, better known as the Cow Guy, as he covers the market-close, breaking down headlines that drive the commodities and equities markets with commentary from respected industry heavyweights.