FR 2025-02990

In a recent notice by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency has announced the receipt of applications to register new uses for existing pesticide products currently containing registered active ingredients. The EPA is seeking public comments on these applications by a deadline of March 26, 2025. This opportunity is particularly relevant to agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers.

Overview of the Notice

The notice outlines several applications involving active ingredients like Bicyclopyrone and Saflufenacil, and proposes new uses such as enhancing soybeans to be resistant to Bicyclopyrone or employing Saflufenacil as a desiccant in Field pennycress. The involved companies include Syngenta Crop Protection, BASF Corporation, and ISK Biosciences Corporation. These applications highlight the ongoing developments in agricultural biotechnology, specifically in genetically modified and pesticide-treated crops.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several issues worth noting. The notice provides extensive and potentially confusing instructions on submitting comments, including multiple URLs that may present challenges for less tech-savvy individuals. Additionally, the document does not clarify whether there are costs associated with submitting comments, potentially affecting public participation. The instructions for handling confidential business information (CBI) could be clearer to ensure safe submission practices.

Another concern is the technical language prevalent throughout the notice, which may hinder comprehension for individuals unfamiliar with legislative jargon such as FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) or specific NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System) codes. Furthermore, the mention of specific companies and their products might raise questions about perceived favoritism towards these businesses.

The document lacks specified criteria or standards against which the registration applications will be evaluated. This could undermine transparency and public confidence in the registration process.

Impact on the Public

The notice has broad implications for how pesticides are used in agriculture, affecting both the consumers and the industries involved. By allowing public comments, the EPA is promoting participatory governance, providing a platform for various stakeholders to express concerns or support. However, the complex submission process might deter individuals from engaging fully.

For consumers, these changes might translate to modifications in food production processes. There could be concerns about the safety and environmental impact of these new pesticide applications. Conversely, the potential for improved crop yields and resistance to pests through these new uses could support agricultural efficiency and food availability.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For agricultural and pesticide manufacturers, this notice represents an opportunity to influence regulatory decisions that directly impact their industries. The potential registration of new product uses could facilitate market expansion and innovation. Companies named in the notice, like Syngenta, BASF, and ISK Biosciences, might gain a competitive edge if the applications are approved.

On the other hand, smaller producers or companies not mentioned may perceive these developments as skewed towards larger corporations, potentially intensifying market competition and concerns about equal access to regulatory processes.

In conclusion, while the notice signals important regulatory activity in the pesticide industry, it highlights the need for clarity, transparency, and inclusivity in addressing public and industry concerns.