Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Earlier today, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) led a bipartisan letter with 11 of his House colleagues to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack expressing deep concerns with the EPA’s recent decision to cancel nearly all uses of acephate. 

Acephate is a pesticide that is registered for agricultural and non-agricultural uses, including cotton, soybeans, and peanuts as well as tree injections and ant mound treatment. Growers rely on these critical tools to protect their crops from damaging pests.

In addition to Congressman Alford, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives James Baird (IN-04), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Donald Davis (NC-01), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), John Rose (TN-06), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Austin Scott (GA-08), Frank Lucas (OK-03), and Kat Cammack (FL-03).

“The EPA is alarmingly ignoring the high-benefit agricultural uses of acephate,” the Members wrote. “Before moving forward with a cancellation of nearly all uses of acephate, we strongly advise your Agency work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the impacted agricultural community, and respective registrants to ensure EPA scientists have access to the full scope of available data and science.”

“American producers rely on tools like acephate to help them provide the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food, fiber, and fuel supply in the world,” continued the Members.

“We believe it is essential that EPA allow adequate time for the development and review of additional data being developed by registrants and other stakeholders that seeks to address EPA’s concerns and allow for continued use of this critical tool,” the Members concluded. 

“We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Alford’s unwavering leadership in standing up for the American soybean farmer. Limiting our toolbox without considering the full breadth of data could jeopardize our freedom to operate effectively,” said Renee Fordyce, Missouri Soybean Association president and farmer from Bethany, Missouri.

Click here to view the full text of the letter.