Preparing for the challenges with outreach, compliance, and enforcement of ESA labels

The EPA’s Endangered Species Strategies are a new approach for pesticide regulation. These strategies introduce flexibility and options for applicators to comply with new pesticide label requirements using "pick list" mitigation menus and avenues to reduce label requirements by implementing different farming practices.  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) looked at the mitigation measures that will remain consistent over time (field characteristics such as slope, soil texture and runoff vulnerability) to determine the potential impacts of these Strategies and the resulting labels for Minnesota (MN) growers. The MDA explored existing State laws that may overlap with ESA labels, potential for geographic restrictions and broader topics such as online materials and Agricultural Inspector knowledge on conservation practices to determine where opportunities for outreach and compliance assistance exist.  Conservation programs that offer assistance and technical expertise specific to MN were also identified.