Regulatory agencies worldwide have long based their pesticide approvals on a meticulous and in-depth review of extensive pesticide safety data developed by manufacturers. In the US, federal law requires the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make pesticide safety data available to the public, which has made the U.S. a world leader in transparency and access to the public. 

 

This week, CropLife International and the European Crop Protection Association, CropLife America’s (CLA) European counterpart, announced a voluntary commitment to enable more public access to pesticide product safety data for non-commercial use and to explain the existing regulatory process, focusing on the European Union, and to address the safety, efficacy and benefits of crop protection products. The initiative stems from the global pesticide industry’s commitment to transparency, responsibility and sustainability. 

 

CLA supports a continuing conversation with the public on these issues and the continued transparency of pesticide safety data consistent with U.S. federal laws. Federal law has for decades required EPA to make pesticide safety data available to the public, allowing interested parties to confirm that pesticide products are safe when used according to the label. 

 

Federal law requires that disclosure of pesticide safety data to the public protect the data from improper use by competitors and provides for the protection of confidential business information. This protection of intellectual property contributes to further innovation and helps to ensure that new technologies reach American farmers.