Rep. April McClain Delaney on EPA Funding, Land Grant Universities, and Pesticide Research

Understaffing and Underfunding at the EPA

• ⚠️ The EPA's office of pesticides program is described as chronically underfunded and understaffed, leading to significant backlogs.
• ⏰ These backlogs delay access to safer and more effective tools for farmers.
• 💡 The current system results in long lead times, with tools taking 10-12 years from inception to registration.

Innovation and Research Needs

• 🎯 There is a need for improved practical, science-driven innovation in agriculture to meet current demands.
• 🔬 The development of new pesticide products is not keeping pace with the need for reduced pesticide use and healthy food production.
• 🚀 There's a suggestion for an accelerated program for biologicals, which may have fewer traditional risks.

Leveraging Land Grant Universities

• 🎓 Land grant universities and regional centers of excellence are vital for supporting applied research and demonstration projects.
• 🛠️ These institutions can be better leveraged to support the testing of new spray technologies and validating application strategies.
• 🌱 Investment in students is also highlighted as important for the future of agricultural research and adoption.

Addressing Staffing Shortages and Delays

• 🤝 Farmers and the private sector could potentially help address staffing shortages and educational backlogs.
• 🤝 Collaboration with state governments, such as California's Department of Pesticide Regulation, could streamline product movement.
• 📈 A special category for products with potentially lower risks, like biologicals, could help speed up the process.