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
A disciplined, breakeven-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.
StockShowAuctions.com takes us to the Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas, where young producers are showcasing their dedication, skill, and champion livestock.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today unveiled a bold plan to protect the nation’s prime farm and ranchland from the rapid spread of data centers.

Agriculture Shows
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.
Crop yield champions David Hula from Virginia and Randy Dowdy from Georgia are back for another season with the aim of schooling more growers across the country in their winning ways.
“Texas Agriculture Matters” is a fun, informative look at the role of agriculture in our daily lives. The show utilizes the trademark wit and wisdom of its host Commissioner Sid Miller — an 8th-generation farmer-rancher and 12-time World Champion rodeo cowboy — to explore a new Texas ag-related topic each week.
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD-TV explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.