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
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
The allure of rural property — with its promise of space, freedom, and self-sufficiency — is undeniable, but local zoning regulations govern the reality.
ARC/PLC, marketing loans, and crop insurance each matter at different points in the price cycle — and the new Farm Bill strengthens the balance among them.
Experts highlight the importance of monitoring insecticide resistance in crops and improving disease traceability at livestock shows through RFID technology.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the bill could mean for truckers.
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
Recognizing phosphorus and potash as critical minerals underscores their importance in crop production and food security, providing producers with an added layer of risk protection.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares insight into what these new accounts, established in provisions of the Big, Beautiful Bill, could mean for the farm families.

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.