SDABA Statement: Supreme Court Affirms Science-Based Pesticide Labeling Standards

The South Dakota Agri-Business Association welcomes last Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court decision in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, a landmark ruling that reinforces the importance of a consistent, science-based regulatory system for crop protection products.

In a 7-2 decision, the Court held that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) preempts state "failure-to-warn" claims when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a product's label. The decision affirms that pesticide labeling should be based on EPA's scientific review—not a patchwork of differing state court requirements.

For agricultural retailers, applicators, and farmers, the Court's decision provides important regulatory certainty. Producers already face enough uncertainty from volatile markets, rising input costs, weather, and global trade. They should not also have to question whether the crop protection tools they rely on will remain available because of conflicting labeling requirements across individual states.

This ruling extends far beyond a single product or manufacturer. It reinforces the principle that EPA-approved labels establish one consistent national standard that farmers and agricultural businesses can rely on when selling, handling, and applying crop protection products. That consistency is critical to maintaining access to the tools farmers depend on to control weeds, protect yields, support conservation practices, and produce a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply.

SDABA has long supported science-based regulation and a uniform federal framework for pesticide labeling. Decisions affecting crop protection products should continue to be grounded in sound science through EPA's rigorous review process, providing certainty for the agricultural supply chain while fostering continued innovation in crop protection technologies.

What We're Watching

While last week's decision provides important regulatory clarity, the conversation is unlikely to end here.

As the U.S. Senate develops its version of the Farm Bill, SDABA is closely monitoring discussions surrounding potential amendments related to pesticide labeling, federal preemption, and access to crop protection tools. Early reports indicate some lawmakers may seek to use the Farm Bill to revisit issues addressed by the Court's decision.

SDABA is actively engaged with our national partners and will continue advocating for a predictable, science-based regulatory framework that provides certainty for agricultural retailers, applicators, and the farmers they serve. We will keep members informed as the Farm Bill process moves forward and will communicate if member engagement becomes necessary.

“This decision is good for American farmers who help feed the world. It provides the regulatory clarity necessary for innovators like us to develop the agricultural tools that guarantee an affordable food supply,” said Bayer CEO Bill Anderson. Bayer’s statement yesterday can be found here.

“This decision protects the entire agricultural supply chain,” said Daren Coppock, Ag Retailers Association President and CEO. “When ag retailers and applicators comply fully with an EPA-approved label, they should not be punished for following the law.”
 

Read Supreme Court Opinion