In Response to The New York Times: Farmers Can’t Afford More Uncertainty

Kevin Draper’s recent piece, “War With Iran Puts Further Strain on America’s Pessimistic Farmers,” rightly highlights how the conflict is intensifying farmers’ existing woes: soaring fertilizer and diesel costs layered atop years of high inputs, stagnant prices, mounting debt, and sustained losses. Against that backdrop, it is notable that Congress is now debating “a number of bills that farmers largely support, like a new Farm Bill.”

Congress must act urgently. The Farm Bill remains the most effective vehicle for delivering durable solutions and the stability farmers need amid global volatility. This strong bill reinforces science-based oversight of the technologies essential to our food supply chain.

These crop protection tools are subject to more than a decade of rigorous EPA study and review prior to  approval—and are continually re-evaluated after. Yet activist-driven claims and disinformation increasingly cloud the debate. Policymaking should be guided by the science and the real-world input from farmers across this country who provide the feed, fuel, and fiber that we all depend upon.

Keeping Section 10205 in the Farm Bill would clarify federal preemption of pesticide labeling, prevent a confusing patchwork of state rules, and ensure regulatory consistency. In this moment of economic strain and global instability, farmers cannot afford more uncertainty.