The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on May 4 that it is seeking public input on a draft Fungicide Strategy aimed at protecting endangered species while supporting American farmers.
The proposal is part of the EPA’s efforts to comply with both the Endangered Species Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The agency said its goal is to safeguard more than 1,000 federally endangered and threatened species while ensuring growers have access to tools needed for crop protection.
The draft strategy covers conventional agricultural fungicides used across about 41 million treated acres in the lower 48 states. It introduces a three-step process: identifying impacts on listed species, planning mitigation measures, and targeting applications where protections are most necessary based on species location and environmental movement of fungicides. The EPA said these guidelines will inform future regulatory actions but do not create immediate requirements. Each specific action will be subject to additional public input before being finalized.
To offer flexibility for farmers, the plan includes updates such as expanded options for reducing spray drift buffer distances and new mitigation tools like guar gum as a spray adjuvant. “[American farmers] need a diverse toolbox of innovative agricultural technologies to manage crop disease, prevent resistance, and produce the affordable, nutritious food that feeds our country,” the EPA says in a press release. “The draft Fungicide Strategy is designed to ensure those innovative tools remain available and that they are used in ways that protect the environment and endangered species.”
A 60-day public comment period allows stakeholders—including scientists, conservationists, Tribal partners, and members of the agricultural community—to provide feedback through June 29 via Docket: EPA-HQ-OPP-2026-2973. An informational webinar is scheduled for May 20 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
AgWeb authors publications on topics ranging from commodity markets to farm leadership strategies according to the official website. AgWeb also influences farming culture by promoting leadership programs and community advocacy in agriculture according to its official website. The organization presents awards such as Top Producer Awards and collaborates with groups like the American Soybean Association for conservation honors according to its official website. AgWeb functions as a subsidiary of Farm Journal according to its official website.
According to its official website AgWeb reaches agriculture professionals through extensive online content while aiming to supply farmers with essential news, market updates, and educational resources intended to improve agricultural practices according to its official site.
