Farmers Applaud President Trump's Executive Order. Now, Congress Must Act.
President Trump’s recent executive order affirming the importance of domestic pesticide production sends a clear message that food security is national security.
The executive order formally acknowledges what farmers across the country have known for decades: Glyphosate-based herbicides are essential to maintaining America’s agricultural productivity and a healthy, affordable food supply. It also underscores that there is no one-for-one chemical alternative to glyphosate.
Partners support the executive order
America’s agricultural community stands together in defense of science-based regulation and domestic production of essential inputs. In response to the Administration’s decisive action, farmers and agricultural organizations across the country were quick to voice strong support, reinforcing the urgency of protecting access to critical crop protection tools.
See what MAA’s partners are saying about the news here.
What’s at stake
While the executive order is an important step, the economic reality facing farmers and families underscores why further action is necessary.
- Farmers’ input costs could increase by up to 2.5 times per acre.
- Net farm income could drop by $2.89 billion annually.
- Food inflation could more than double—adding nearly $10 billion per year in additional grocery costs for American families.
At a time when farmers are already facing declining commodity prices and tightening margins, and consumers are still feeling the pressure of inflation at the grocery store, losing access to this essential tool is not an option.
Congress must provide certainty
Executive action can send an important signal. But executive orders do not provide the long-term legal certainty farmers, manufacturers, and innovators need.
Manufacturers continue to face relentless litigation—even when products comply fully with EPA-approved federal labeling requirements established after rigorous scientific review.
This legal uncertainty threatens the long-term availability of American-made glyphosate and diverts billions of dollars away from research and development of the next generation of crop protection tools.
That’s why Congress must act.
As noted in the Washington Post Editorial Board’s recent piece, legislative action is necessary on this issue.
“If domestic production falters, the White House says, U.S. farmers would need to rely even more on China for production of the chemical than they already do, which could lead to shortages during a trade war. Chinese control of critical industries is a legitimate national concern, but the problem is not easily solved by directives from the Oval Office.”
“There’s an option superior to relying on courts or executive orders: Congress … Federal lawmaking is harder but ultimately worthwhile.”
As lawmakers work to finalize the Farm Bill, they must include Section 10205, a provision that reaffirms that under FIFRA, the EPA is the sole authority for pesticide health and safety labeling and packaging requirements. Providing this certainty is about ensuring farmers have a consistent, science-based regulatory framework they rely on to make long-term decisions about planting, investment, and conservation practices.