Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology

The Business Council for Agrotechnology

June 26, 2026

 

CPDA Welcomes Supreme Court Decision Reinforcing Uniform Pesticide Labeling

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an important decision this week in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, holding that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act preempts state-law failure-to-warn claims that would require a pesticide warning different from the label approved by EPA.


In its 7-2 decision, the Court reinforced the uniform federal framework Congress established for pesticide labeling. EPA remains responsible for evaluating pesticide safety, determining necessary warnings, and approving the labels manufacturers must use unless and until the agency requires or approves a change.


For CPDA members, the decision provides greater certainty across the crop protection marketplace. That certainty supports continued investment in product registrations, stewardship, U.S. manufacturing capabilities, and a competitive market that helps preserve farmer choice and access to proven crop protection tools.



The decision also recognizes that states retain authority under FIFRA to regulate the sale and use of federally registered pesticides.

CPDA Welcomes Senate Farm Bill 2.0 Discussion Draft

CPDA welcomed the release of legislative text for Farm Bill 2.0, the Agricultural Act of 2026, by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman.


The discussion draft represents an important step toward a bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill that provides greater certainty for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and the businesses that support American agriculture.


The Senate proposal advances several CPDA priorities. It would improve the process for establishing and updating conservation practice standards, streamline certification for Technical Service Providers, provide EPA additional time to meet pesticide registration review requirements, and strengthen coordination among EPA, USDA, and other federal agencies.



CPDA will continue working with leaders in both chambers to preserve these improvements and strengthen the final bill, including support for applied crop production and crop protection research involving adjuvant technologies.

Executive Order Addresses Farm Resilience and Crop Protection Review

President Trump signed an Executive Order this week focused on regenerative agriculture, farm resilience, and modernization of the nation’s food supply.


For CPDA members, an important provision directs EPA to prioritize registration actions for substances that can serve as alternatives to older active ingredients. Timely review of new active ingredients can provide farmers with additional tools, support resistance management, and strengthen the long-term resilience of American agriculture.


Efficient review of me-too products based on newer chemistries also provides important benefits. These registrations expand competition, preserve farmer choice, and help ensure growers have access to multiple reliable and cost-effective product options.


The Order also directs EPA to review available data on pre-harvest desiccation uses and calls on USDA, EPA, and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop research methodologies and frameworks related to cumulative exposure across chemical classes regulated in the food supply.


CPDA appreciates USDA’s engagement in the interagency process and supports the shared goals of healthier people and children, a healthy environment, and a rigorous, science-based regulatory system that provides predictability for farmers and the companies that serve them.



CPDA members are part of the solution. The association will continue to monitor implementation of the Order and work constructively with the Administration to advance sound science, timely regulatory decisions, and continued farmer access to effective crop protection tools.

Administration Proposes Additional Support for the Farm Economy

The Trump Administration submitted a supplemental funding request to Congress this week that includes $11.1 billion in additional agricultural assistance and permanent, year-round availability of E15.


The proposal includes $10 billion in temporary economic assistance for row and specialty crops planted during the 2026 crop year, along with $1.1 billion for agricultural producers affected by winter storms in Florida.


The request comes as farmers continue to face low commodity prices, elevated production costs, and growing financial pressure as they meet with lenders and begin planning input purchases for the next growing season.


CPDA supports efforts to strengthen the financial position of farmers and preserve a healthy agricultural economy. Greater certainty for producers supports the entire crop production supply chain, including the retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and other businesses that serve them.

The request would also codify permanent, year-round sales of E15, helping expand domestic demand for corn and strengthen markets for American producers.


The proposal requires congressional approval, and CPDA will continue monitoring developments important to its members and their grower customers.

CPDA in Action

CPDA PAC Engagement with Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA)

Through CPDA PAC, CPDA joined agricultural association partners for a discussion with Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA), a longtime leader on issues important to farmers and rural communities.


Congressman Bishop highlighted the essential contribution of farmers to the economy and the importance of agriculture throughout his southwest Georgia district, a major production region for pecans, peanuts, cotton, and other commodities.



CPDA appreciates the Congressman’s continued engagement with agriculture and the opportunity to discuss the policies needed to strengthen the crop production supply chain.

Richard Gupton, ARA; Jay Ivey, CLA; Terry Kippley, CPDA; Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA); Ryan Bowley, TFI; Andrew Walmsley, CPDA. 

CPDA Member Visit: Helena

CPDA President and CEO Terry Kippley visited CPDA member Helena Agri-Enterprises and toured the Helena Products Group Innovation Center with CPDA Chairman Patrick Ewan, General Manager of Helena Products Group.


The 30,000-square-foot facility supports Helena’s work to develop differentiated products that provide growers with measurable performance benefits across the adjuvant and post-patent crop protection markets.


Helena is one of the nation’s largest formulators and distributors, with operations serving growers across the United States.



Direct member engagement helps CPDA better understand the commercial, regulatory, and legislative priorities of its members. That understanding is essential to effective advocacy in Washington.

CPDA President and CEO Terry Kippley with CPDA Chairman Patrick Ewan, General Manager of Helena Products Group, at the Helena Products Group Innovation Center.

CPDA Member Visit: Drexel Chemical

Terry Kippley also visited CPDA member Drexel Chemical in Memphis for discussions with company leadership on the issues affecting its operations and the broader post-patent crop protection market.


Drexel is a family-owned American company founded in 1972, with nine manufacturing locations and a long history as an early participant in the post-patent crop protection industry.

Thank you to Leigh Shockey, CEO; Mark Stewart, President; Stanley Bernard, Vice President of Development; and Melinda McCann, Registration Department Manager, for the informative discussion and hospitality.



Member visits provide CPDA with firsthand insight into the challenges and priorities of the companies we represent, strengthening our advocacy with policymakers and regulators.

Terry Kippley with Drexel Chemical leaders Mark Stewart, Leigh Shockey, Melinda McCann and Stanley Bernard.

Connecting Agriculture and Conservation

CPDA also connected with Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited, to discuss shared interests at the intersection of agriculture, conservation, and federal policy.


Putnam previously served five terms in Congress and two terms as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. Today, he leads one of the nation’s most prominent conservation organizations.



Relationships across the agricultural and conservation communities are increasingly important as Congress considers the Farm Bill, voluntary conservation programs, and policies intended to support both productive farms and responsible stewardship.

Andrew Walmsley, CPDA, with Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited.

AgriBusiness Global Trade Summit to Feature CPDA Member Perspectives

The upcoming AgriBusiness Global Trade Summit will include a procurement roundtable featuring leaders from companies that collectively represent a significant share of U.S. agricultural distribution.


The discussion will examine the strategies U.S. ag retailers are using to inform procurement decisions involving China, along with additional supply chain, market, and trade considerations for 2026 and 2027.


The roundtable will be held August 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Participants include:

  • Casey Daniel, Nutrien
  • Jeff Pritchard, Westlink
  • Stacy Doonan, Helena
  • Craig White, Innvictis/Simplot


The discussion will provide an important look at how major distributors are navigating sourcing decisions, trade uncertainty, inventory planning, and the changing global crop protection market.


CPDA’s Trade Committee continues to engage on these issues as the association expands its role as a resource and thought leader across the crop protection value chain.


CPDA members receive $150 off registration with promo code CPDA150

Tech Hub LIVE: Turning Ag Technology into Results

CPDA is proud to support Tech Hub LIVE, July 20–22, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa—the premier event where ag retailers, co-ops, advisers, innovators, and experts connect practical technology with real-world results.


Don’t miss the Tuesday, July 21 fireside chat featuring CPDA President Terry Kippley, “Regulation vs. Innovation: Finding the Balance in Ag Retail,” exploring how evolving policies are shaping crop protection, product pipelines, and technologies such as drift reduction agents.


CPDA members receive $150 off registration with promo code CPDA150. 
Price increases on June 22nd.

 

Upcoming Industry Events

July 20-22, 2026

Tech Hub Live
Des Moines, IA

CPDA Members get $150 off with code CPDA150

August 5-6, 2026

AgriBusiness Global Trade Summit
Las Vegas, NV

CPDA Members get $150 off with code CPDA150

September 22-23, 2026

Practical Primer on Pesticides Course
Keller & Keckman, Durham, NC

September 24, 2026

CPDA State & Regulatory Quarterly Update

Contact Terry Kippley for invite

September 28–30, 2026

CPDA/CLA/TFI Annual Meetings
Dallas, TX

March 2027

CPDA Washington D.C. Fly In

Washington D.C.

May 3-5, 2027

CPDA Adjuvants, Inerts & Crop Protection Conference

Scottsdale, AZ

 

Until next time….

 

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