CropLife Retail Week: Farm Bill Updates, PRIA 6, Dicamba and the EPA

In this episode, CropLife Editor Eric Sfiligoj sits down with Terry Kippley, President and CEO of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA), to discuss building on recent DC Fly-In and EPA and Dicamba updates.

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*Below is a partial and edited transcript:

Eric Sfiligoj:
Hello, and welcome to another edition of CropLife Retail Week. I’m Eric Sfiligoj, Editor of CropLife, and I’m here with special guest Terry Kippley from the Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA). Terry, welcome back to the program.

Terry Kippley:
Thanks, Eric. Great to be here.

Eric Sfiligoj:
Part of the reason I wanted to have you on is to follow up on the recent DC Fly-In. In a previous episode, Amy Asmus shared insights from the Agricultural Retailers Association Fly-In, while I participated in the CPDA meetings. She was able to walk through her experience, while I only teased what we discussed with the CPDA group.

So let’s start there. If I counted correctly, there were about 70 individuals participating in the CPDA Fly-In. Does that sound right?

Terry Kippley:
Yes, that’s about right—roughly 70 participants. It was a strong turnout and a great opportunity to connect directly with policymakers.

Eric Sfiligoj:
While we were on Capitol Hill, one of the big topics was the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act—PRIA. Right now, we’re operating under PRIA 5. Can you explain what PRIA 5 is and what it provides to the marketplace?

Terry Kippley:
Absolutely. PRIA establishes the framework and funding for EPA to review pesticide registrations within defined timelines. It gives companies more predictability in the regulatory process while also ensuring the agency has the resources it needs to conduct thorough scientific reviews. That balance is critical for getting products to market efficiently while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

Eric Sfiligoj:
And PRIA 5 is set to expire when?

Terry Kippley:
PRIA 5 is scheduled to sunset in 2027, so discussions around PRIA 6 are already underway to ensure there’s no disruption in the program.

Eric Sfiligoj:
We spent a lot of time discussing PRIA 6 during the Fly-In. What changes are being considered, and why are they important?

Terry Kippley:
The focus with PRIA 6 is on maintaining timely reviews while also addressing some of the additional workload EPA is facing—particularly around Endangered Species Act compliance. We want to make sure the process remains efficient and predictable, while also incorporating any new requirements in a practical way. It’s about improving the system without slowing innovation.

Eric Sfiligoj:
Another major topic was the Farm Bill. At the time, it was being marked up by the House Agriculture Committee. What are some of the key priorities the industry is looking for?

Terry Kippley:
The industry is focused on ensuring farmers have access to the tools they need—whether that’s through research funding, conservation programs, or regulatory clarity. There’s also a strong emphasis on maintaining a stable and predictable policy environment so businesses can plan and invest with confidence.

Eric Sfiligoj:
Let’s talk about the Hill visits themselves. I met with nearly a dozen representatives and senators. Overall, how many members of Congress did CPDA participants meet with?

Terry Kippley:
Collectively, we had a very strong presence on the Hill and met with a large number of congressional offices. Those meetings are critical for educating policymakers about the role our industry plays and the challenges we’re facing.

Eric Sfiligoj:
I was impressed by how many of the people we met had some background in agriculture or at least a solid understanding of the issues.

After those meetings, we wrapped up with a visit to the EPA. There was a lot of discussion around registrations, labels, and dicamba reauthorization. What were some key takeaways?

Terry Kippley:
The main takeaway is that EPA is being very deliberate in its process, especially with the added complexity of ESA requirements. There’s a strong emphasis on getting things right, which we appreciate, but it has slowed down the pace of approvals. Dicamba was certainly part of the discussion, along with broader labeling and compliance challenges.

Eric Sfiligoj:
We’ve heard that only a few new product labels have been approved recently, which highlights that slower pace. While it’s understandable given the need for accuracy, it’s definitely something the industry is watching closely.

Now that the Fly-In is behind us, what are the next steps for CPDA and its members? And how can others get involved?

Terry Kippley:
The work doesn’t stop after the Fly-In. We continue engaging with policymakers, providing input on legislation and regulatory developments, and working with stakeholders across the industry. For those who want to get involved, staying engaged, communicating with representatives, and participating in industry associations are all important ways to contribute.

Eric Sfiligoj:
Great insights. Terry, thank you again for joining us. I really enjoyed the DC Fly-In and look forward to participating again next year.

Terry Kippley:
Thanks, Eric. I appreciate the opportunity.