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Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology
Terry Kippley, CPDA
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As the business council for crop protection, CPDA is pleased to welcome Global Crop Solutions (GCS) as our newest member.
Membership support drives CPDA’s advocacy on key issues, including reducing EPA’s PRIA and non-PRIA registration backlogs and advancing science-based Endangered Species Act solutions. CPDA continues to lead efforts to recognize Drift Reduction Adjuvants (DRAs) as a practical alternative to No-Spray buffers, providing growers with workable, effective mitigation options.
| | | | Global Crop Solutions began in the early 2000s, founded by two entrepreneurs committed to bringing high-quality crop protection products to the U.S. agricultural market. Today, GCS delivers innovative chemical products and regulatory expertise, enabling partners to grow and thrive in a complex North American market environment. With a full range of technical and end-use registrations, along with a diverse supply network, Global Crop Solutions works hand-in-hand with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to provide essential tools for today's farmer. | | |
CPDA Chairman Ewan Highlighted in CropLife Magazine
CropLife Magazine featured CPDA Chairman Patrick Ewan in its article “New Era of Leadership in Ag Retail: Five Executives Driving Innovation and Impact,” recognizing leaders shaping the future of agricultural retail.
He underscored CPDA’s mission to advance regulatory efficiency, protect market access through science-based stewardship, and ensure that member voices are clearly heard in Washington. The piece also highlighted CPDA’s new five-year strategic plan, which aims to deepen engagement with policymakers, strengthen member value, and champion sustainable growth across our industry.
| | “Our mission is clear — advocate for regulatory efficiency, protect market access through science-based stewardship, and ensure our members’ voices are heard at every level of government,” said Ewan. “The four pillars of CPDA effectively bring attention to the difficulties faced by farmers, making it easier for lawmakers and people unfamiliar with agriculture to grasp the challenges confronting the industry.” | | |
CropLife Highlights 25 Years of Ag Retail Transformation
CropLife Magazine featured an article by CPDA President and CEO Terry Kippley reflecting on the past 25 years of change in agricultural retail and what’s ahead for the industry.
Kippley identified four key developments that reshaped ag retail: consolidation across the farm economy, the West Fertilizer explosion that led to the creation of ResponsibleAg, the Food Quality Protection Act’s long-term impact on pesticide portfolios, and the passage of PRIA, which brought regulatory predictability but now faces funding shortfalls that delay product access.
Looking ahead, he highlighted continued farm consolidation, rapid expansion of precision agriculture technologies, and growing regulatory focus on verified input use and environmental compliance. He also noted a shift in farm policy priorities toward nutrition programs and consumer-driven food policy.
Kippley emphasized that while the pace of change will accelerate, ag retail remains resilient and essential, and CPDA will continue to advocate for the policies and tools farmers and retailers need to succeed.
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The government shutdown has now become the longest in U.S. history. Senators continue bipartisan talks to end the standoff, but the House has been out since September 19.
Senate Judiciary Examines Input Costs
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing, “Pressure Cooker: Competition in the Seed & Fertilizer Industries.” CPDA attended as senators examined rising input costs and consolidation across ag supply chains.
| | Industry Letter Urges Action on Interior Appropriations | |
CPDA joined a coalition of industry associations urging congressional leadership to move the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill forward. The letter emphasized the need for stable funding for EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) and the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics to ensure timely chemical and pesticide reviews under PRIA and TSCA.
The coalition warned that extended funding lapses risk worsening the existing regulatory backlog, delaying new tools for farmers and other sectors, and creating uncertainty across supply chains. The letter called on Congress to finalize a bipartisan conference agreement and provide EPA with the staffing and technology resources needed to deliver timely, science-based decisions.
| | CPDA Meets with Rep. Mark Alford | |
Through CPDA PAC, Andrew Walmsley and Terry Kippley had a chance to meet with Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, to discuss CPDA priorities alongside other input industry partners and the American Soybean Association.
The discussion focused on the continued shortfall in funding for EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs and the resulting backlog of more than $500 million in CPDA member products awaiting review. The group emphasized how these delays undermine business certainty and prevent much needed tools from reaching farmers.
The conversation also touched on broader challenges facing rural America and ways CPDA can help ensure farmers have access to the tools and technologies they need to remain productive and competitive.
| | Andrew Walmsley, CPDA; Venus Welch-White, CropLife America; Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) and Terry Kippley, CPDA. | | CPDA Welcomes New Government Relations Intern | |
CPDA is pleased to welcome Meg Alexander as our new Government Relations Intern. Meg is a senior at the University of Florida studying Agricultural Education and Communication, with a focus on Communication and Leadership Development.
Raised in a rural agricultural community, Meg has long been passionate about agricultural advocacy and advancing solutions for farmers and industry. She serves as an Ambassador for the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and is an active member of Collegiate Farm Bureau. She also supports communications efforts for the university’s Department of Animal Sciences.
Meg will assist the CPDA team with government relations, communications, and event coordination efforts, including preparations for the 2026 CPDA Fly-In. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to her contributions to our work on behalf of members. Meg’s first day was November 3rd.
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A few times in recent months, OPP/RD leadership has approached CPDA and other industry groups to “troubleshoot” its self-certification program for product chemistry data and seek ways to improve it. CPDA is playing a key role in developing PRIA Coalition input to EPA on this topic, which is spelled out in PR Notice 98-1.
CPDA is exploring with OPP ways to streamline adding or modifying pesticide label language that advises pesticide applicators to use CPDA-certified adjuvants when adjuvants are recommended in use instructions. The next step will be for CPDA (and registrants of those products) to advocate for making such label updates via non-notification, when EPA seeks public comment on revision of PR Notice 98-10, planned for late 2025.
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The chemical 1,4-dioxane can occur as a trace contaminant in certain intermediates or ingredients used in pesticide products. EPA’s problematic risk assessment of this chemical under TSCA could adversely affect your business.
For more information, join a webinar on November 14, 2025 (12 noon EST), hosted by the American Chemistry Council.
| | EPA has updated its MyPeST portal to accept registrants’ voluntary reports of compliance with bilingual labeling requirements of PRIA 5. Such reporting will not be mandatory until OMB signs off on the process, following another round of public comments. | | Upcoming Webinar:
National Agricultural Law Center on EPR | | |
Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET.
Redefining Responsibility Over Packaging: An Overview of U.S. Extended Producer Responsibility Laws
The session will feature attorneys Kyla Kaplan and John Dillard of OFW Law, who will provide an overview of state-level EPR laws, compliance requirements, and their implications for manufacturers and distributors. The discussion will cover enacted and pending state legislation, reporting obligations, and potential impacts on agricultural packaging and input distribution.
This webinar offers a timely opportunity for CPDA members to stay informed on packaging and recycling policy developments affecting the ag industry.
| | CropLife Advisory Council Annual Meeting | |
CPDA President Terry Kippley participated in the 27th CropLife Advisory Council Annual Meeting held October 22 in Chicago. The event brought together leaders from across the ag retail, manufacturing, and policy sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the crop protection and input industries heading into 2026.
Discussions focused on key topics including EPA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) strategies, ongoing litigation affecting pesticide registration and use, and the future of U.S. agriculture under evolving policy and market pressures. Sessions also addressed fertilizer supply trends, biostimulant and biofertilizer developments, precision ag technologies, and the policy outlook for the upcoming Farm Bill and trade environment.
| Terry Kippley, CPDA; Eric Sfiligoj and Lara Sowinski, CropLife Magazine; Amy Asmus, ARA Chair and Richard Gupton, ARA. | | Amy Asmus, ARA; Terry Kippley , CPDA; Amy Winstead, Greenpoint | | CPDA Member
Outreach & Engagement | | The best part of my job is meeting with our members and understanding how CPDA can better address their issues and needs on the Hill, at EPA and at the state level. Excited I was able to engage with nearly 20 of our 84 member companies in October. Let me know when I can come see you. | | Denny Glotzbach, Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK; Terry Kippley, CPDA; Jeff Bunting, Kennedy Enber, GROWMARK | Bryon Hendrix, Laura O., Dave Allen, Stepan Company; Terry Kippley, CPDA | | Floyd Trujillo, Bryan Brochin, Rainbow Agro; Terry Kippley, CPDA; Carrie Tackema, Tom Lyons, Rainbow Agro | Andrew Walmsley, CPDA; Scott Kuschmider, Randy Canady, Atticus; Terry Kippley, CPDA; Bryan Wilson, Atticus | | Greg Dahl, CPDA. Director of Adjuvant Education; Dr. Bryan Young, Purdue University; Terry Kippley, CPDA | Dr. Andrew Hewitt, CPDA; Jeferson Naue, Symposium Chair, Momentive; Terry Kippley, CPDA | | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Chelsea Clark-Rodriguez, IMC; Tracy Starich, Bill Oglesby, Brandt | Jim Reiss, Chemorse; Jennifer Bear, Innospec; Mason Neil, Chemorse; Terry Kippley, CPDA | | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Javier Campus, Daniel Florez, Matt Crotty, Clariant | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Steven Fredricks, WinField United | | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Dayna Collet, Univar; Dave Coorts, Integrity Biochem | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Sarah Wolek, Krista Turpin, Amy Taylor, Byron Hendricks; Stepan Company | | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Renee Pinel, WPH | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Bob Higby, Solera; Matt Plitt, Valent; Dave Bower, Brandt | | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Melissa McQueen, Chair WPH, Nutrien | Terry Kippley, CPDA; Jim Fargo, IAP; David Etzler; Jeff Wagner, Nufarm; Thomas McDaniel, Nufarm | | Mark Stewart, Drexel; Alan Bishop, Actylis; Terry Kippley, CPDA; Bill Oglesby, Brandt | | Upcoming Webinar:
Earn 1 IPM CEU Credit, Adjuvants & Insecticides | | |
Season 4 of our successful webinar series, in partnership with the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is back for another 5-part series discussing topics from biologicals and insecticides to tuning up your tank mix.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 1:00 pm ET
Adjuvants & Insecticides: ESA Strategies Update
This webinar discusses adjuvants as tools to improve the application and effectiveness of insecticides.
Certified Crop Advisers attending this webinar will earn one Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program IPM CEU.
| | Stay Informed with CPDA Capitol Connection & Insider Ag Policy | | At CPDA, our commitment to advocacy and member support remains at the core of everything we do. CPDA’s Capitol Connection and Insider Ag Policy are your go-to sources for quick, essential updates on policies and regulations impacting your business. Each week, we’ll break down the most pressing issues affecting our industry, offering valuable insights into both state and federal initiatives. | | | December 2–4, 2025 | ARA Conference & Expo
Salt Lake City, UT | | December 9, 2025 | Season IV: Adjuvant Advantage for the Sales Agronomist
Webinar Topic: Adjuvants and Insecticides (ESA Strategies update) | | January 7, 2026 | Season IV: Adjuvant Advantage for the Sales Agronomist
Webinar Topic: Tune up your Tank Mix: How to optimize pesticide performance with adjuvants | | January 28, 2026 | Season IV: Adjuvant Advantage for the Sales Agronomist
Webinar Topic: Drift Reduction Adjuvant and effective nozzle selection | | February 11, 2026 | Season IV: Adjuvant Advantage for the Sales Agronomist
Webinar Topic: ESA Technical Field Guide – How to Comply | | March 2–4, 2026 | CPDA DC Fly-In
Washington, D.C. | | April 27, 2026 | CPDA Adjuvants, Inerts & Crop Protection Conference
Austin, TX | | | | | |
