Corn Growers Urge President Trump to Intervene in Pesticide Safety Policy Recommendations

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and farmer leaders from 19 state-based corn grower groups have written a letter to President Trump, expressing concerns about the safety of pesticides that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The letter was sent in response to the Make America Healthy Again Commission's (MAHA) initial assessment, which raised questions about pesticide safety. The corn growers argue that these questions have been answered repeatedly by research and regulatory agencies, and that including language about pesticide safety in MAHA's policy recommendations could harm American farmers and increase prices for consumers.

Key Takeaways:

• 19 state-based corn grower groups signed the letter to President Trump, emphasizing the importance of pesticide safety for American farmers.
• The letter was sent in response to MAHA's initial assessment, which raised questions about pesticide safety that have already been addressed by research and regulatory agencies.
• The EPA's review process for pesticides involves testing for potential effects on child development, dietary exposure, and long-term toxicity, and requires approval for use before allowing farmers to apply the chemicals.
• The corn grower leaders expressed concerns about the potential impact of losing access to critical production tools, particularly given the challenges faced by farmers due to tariffs, low corn prices, and rising input costs.
• The letter noted that if the pesticides in question were to disappear completely, crop yields could decrease by more than 70% due to pests, weeds, and disease.
• The corn grower leaders appreciated meetings with administration members but expressed concerns about the need for more action to address their concerns.
• The administration is expected to release the strategy document in August, and the corn growers are continuing to express their concerns about MAHA's efforts.

Statistics:

• 19 state-based corn grower groups signed the letter to President Trump.
• More than 70% decrease in crop yields could occur due to pests, weeds, and disease if the pesticides in question were to disappear completely.
• Dozens, if not hundreds, of test results are required for EPA review and consideration of each pesticide.

Sources:

• National Corn Growers Association (NCGA): Author: Bryan Goodman
• The letter to President Trump was signed by the president of NCGA and farmer leaders from 19 state-based corn grower groups.