Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology

Andrew Walmsley, CPDA

April 28, 2025

URGENT: Why is there an EPA backlog when industry is paying more? Critical tools for farmers delayed

Dear CPDA Members,

As Congress returns from its two-week recess, we face a critical juncture in securing appropriate funding for EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). While much of Washington focuses on budget reconciliation, we must ensure appropriations, particularly for OPP—receives the attention it deserves.

THE INNOVATION BACKLOG CRISIS

Currently, over half a billion dollars’ worth of CPDA member products and essential crop protection tools sit in regulatory limbo at EPA. This backlog isn't just a number—it represents delayed innovations and proven technologies that farmers need and consumers ultimately benefit from.

The imbalance between industry-paid user fees and inconsistent congressional appropriations has led to increased costs for registrants—without the promised improvements in efficiency. During PRIA V (Pesticide Registration Improvement Act) negotiations, industry agreed to a 30% increase in fees to provide EPA with the resources it said were needed to improve the registration process. Industry has upheld its end of the bargain, paying the increased fees each of the last three years. However, Congress has failed to consistently fund OPP. As a result, despite higher costs, industry is facing even longer delays in regulatory decisions.

Under PRIA V, OPP should receive $166 million in annual funding. Unfortunately, the office is currently receiving only about 80% of that amount ($134 million). With the government operating under a continuing resolution at FY24 levels, this funding gap creates additional uncertainty for the agency's resources.

A -$32 million deficit

A WORSENING PROBLEM

EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs has faced declining resources for over 15 years, resulting in:

• Loss of experienced staff
• Increasing workloads
• Significant delays in regulatory submissions (some indefinite)
• Impacts across the entire agricultural supply chain

EPA Slide from PRIA Coalition Quarterly Meeting April 8, 2025

When PRIA was enacted in 2004, it established a system where industry fees would supplement—not replace—annual appropriations for pesticide licensing. However, total funding for OPP has fallen from a high of $144 million in FY 2004 (equivalent to $237 million in today's dollars).

WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU

A properly funded and efficient OPP is critical for:

• Predictable review timelines for business planning
• Supporting new product research and development
• Delivering solutions for known and emerging pests and pathogens
• Maintaining American manufacturers' competitive edge

CPDA is actively working with Congressional leaders and key stakeholders to secure the full $166 million funding level mandated in PRIA V. CPDA is pursuing every opportunity to address this critical issue.

As the appropriations process continues, CPDA remains committed to prioritizing this issue and advocating forcefully on behalf of our entire membership. Rest assured that CPDA will continue pushing for funding to clear the regulatory backlog and ensure essential crop protection products reach the market without unnecessary delays.

Regards,



Andrew Walmsley

Vice President, Government Relations