Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology
The Business Council for Agrotechnology | | AICP Austin: Record Attendance, Focused Conversations | |
CPDA’s Adjuvants, Inerts & Crop Protection Conference (AICP) wrapped up last week in Austin with record member attendance, bringing together more than 110 companies and nearly 300 attendees, exceeding last year’s event.
The agenda focused on the policy, regulatory, and business issues shaping the crop protection value chain, including EPA backlog and PRIA 6, ESA implementation, Farm Bill developments, and emerging areas like biopesticides.
The conference also marked the kickoff of CPDA’s Biopesticide Working Group and continued engagement across the adjuvant and formulation space.
Hear from CPDA Chairman Patrick Ewan on why the Adjuvants, Inerts and Crop Protection Conference is the place to be.
| | EPA Fungicide Strategy Released | |
EPA released its draft Fungicide Strategy, continuing implementation of its Endangered Species Act framework.
CPDA welcomes EPA’s draft Fungicide Strategy and the continued recognition of drift reduction adjuvants as practical, on-the-ground tools for growers. Expanding buffer reduction options to include oil emulsion DRAs for fungicides and insecticides, and guar-based DRAs across herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, provides additional flexibility for farmers working to meet ESA requirements while maintaining effective crop protection.
These are the types of workable, science-based approaches that help protect the acre while keeping essential tools available. As EPA moves forward, it will be important to ensure all DRA technologies are evaluated based on sound science and real-world performance. CPDA is actively engaging with the Agency to address questions related to polymer-based adjuvants and ensure those tools can be appropriately considered. CPDA will be submitting comments to the draft strategy before the deadline.
| | Farm Bill: House Passage, Senate Next | | |
The House passed the Farm Bill last week, advancing key priorities for U.S. agriculture.
The Farm Bill sets the policy framework for U.S. agriculture, shaping how farmers manage risk, access conservation programs, and adopt the tools and technologies needed to produce a safe, affordable food supply.
For CPDA members, the legislation includes important provisions to advance crop production, crop protection, and agricultural resilience. This includes:
- the establishment of Centers of Excellence with recognition of adjuvants,
- helping accelerate the development,
- validation, and adoption of technologies that improve product performance and support environmental stewardship.
The bill also strengthens conservation programs and expands access to Technical Service Providers, making it easier for farmers to implement real-world solutions and connect with trusted expertise in the field.
Attention now turns to the Senate. CPDA will remain actively engaged to ensure these priorities are maintained as the process moves forward.
| | In the News: Crop Input Supply Chain | |
CPDA’s Andrew Walmsley authored a recent Agri-Pulse opinion piece examining the growing pressures on the crop input supply chain, including regulatory delays, global competition, and the importance of maintaining domestic formulation capacity.
The article underscores the need for a predictable, science-based regulatory system and the role it plays in ensuring farmers have access to the tools they need.
| | State Update: California Packaging Law Now in Effect | |
California has finalized regulations implementing its packaging producer responsibility law (SB 54), which is now in effect.
The law establishes new requirements for companies placing packaged products into the California market, including registration and reporting obligations tied to packaging materials. Initial compliance actions are required by June 1, 2026.
Importantly, packaging for products regulated under FIFRA is excluded. However, members with non-FIFRA product lines or other packaged goods sold into California may have obligations under the law, particularly where they control product branding and packaging.
Members with potential exposure should review applicability and consult with legal counsel as appropriate.
| | CPDA will continue engagement on Farm Bill next steps in the Senate, PRIA 6, ESA implementation, and appropriations as activity continues across Congress and EPA. | | | | |
