pesticides

Beekeepers have filed a lawsuit against the EPA for not regulating seeds treated with neonicotinoids. The group of commercial beekeepers, growers and environmental activist claim neonics should be regulated as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act...

Six companies are facing fines for selling fruits and vegetables imported from Mexico, China, Thailand, and Taiwan that were tainted with pesticides that are banned in the UC. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation says the companies were importing and selling produce to stores that primarily cater to California’s ethnic communities, and that the companies were given ample opportunities

The Environmental Defense Fund announced a collaboration with Campbell Soup Company and its subsidiary, Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated, to improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing fertilizer use and improving soil conservation in the company’s wheat sourcing areas...

During the Organic Trade Association luncheon last week - Montana Senator and organic farmer Jon Tester said advocates would have to work hard to achieve labeling of genetically modified foods. Tester says more farmers would transition to organic if land-grant colleges paid more attention to organics...

House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch are working with Senator Ron Wyden on the final details of Trade Promotion Authority. Ryan believes they are making good progress - as he says he, Hatch and Wyden are in constant contact with each other trying to iron out the hold-up over TPA...

The House Agriculture Committee approved the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2015 last week - which would clarify Congressional intent regarding pesticide regulation in or near waters of the United States. House Ag Chair Mike Conaway says costly and duplicative regulations permitting requirements on farmers weaken the economy in Rural America...

More stars equals greater potential for reducing spray drift of pesticides in the latest program by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The U.S. Geological Survey claims a 20-year study shows levels of pesticides continue to be a concern for aquatic life in many of the nation’s rivers and streams in agricultural and urban areas.

Last Thursday, Kansas Senator Pat Roberts and 29 other Republican Senators introduced legislation to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing its proposed Waters of the U.S. rule.