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Could Government Efficiency Efforts Break the Dam in EPA’s Pesticide Approval Backlog?

Mon, 12 May 2025 16:09:44 GMT

Earlier this month, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin announced the next phase of organizational improvements for the agency. For agriculture, the focus went to 130 science positions that were being reallocated.

With EPA’s authority over reviewing the science of pesticides, and a current backlog of 504 new chemicals in review plus 12,000 pesticide reviews that are overdue compared to their expected timelines, the industry has been watching a ballooning backlog.

“We’ve been trying to get more resources to help to reduce the backlog, and we’ve been advocating for Administrator Zeldin to provide additional resources,” says Terry Kippley, president and CEO of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology. “And so we’re still waiting on some details, but they have announced that there’s 130 scientists that could be moving over into the chemicals division and the chemicals division is the division that growers care about and agribusiness cares about because it includes the Office of Pesticide Programs [OPP], and they’re responsible for getting the tools out into the field.”

Two core causes of the backlog:

There have been two key factors adding up to the slowdown and now backlog of pesticide processing, regulations and approval.

1. Underfunding and interagency performance.

Specific to the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Congress has underfunded its activities. Registrants agreed to a fee structure helping pay for the services provided by EPA, known as PRIA 5, which increased industry fees by 30%.

Congress has continually funded the EPA at low levels, and the OPP significantly below the $166 million asked for in appropriation.

“For many reasons every year they’ve only been giving approximately 80% of that number,” Kippley says. “From the farmer perspective, if you have a deal with a local co-op, and you say I’m going to give you 30% more money. But then you find out that you’re only getting about 80% of that agreed upon number. That’s a problem.”

Kippley says right now, for OPP, it adds up to being short about $32 million.

“We’d like to have them allocate that additional $32 million dollars, so that in the end OPP has the resources to consistently deliver and execute these timelines, so that everybody has certainty.”

2. The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected workload

During the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions added up in addition to EPA being responsible for testing and approving hand sanitizer products.

“I’ve had nearly a 30-year career dealing with regulated products, and I can say we’ve had certainty out of EPA in the past,” Kippley says. “Maybe wasn’t always perfect, but until COVID it was really operating in a way that we could do business, and they have just received so much more work with so many fewer resources. It’s really a difficult situation to manage.”

Will DOGE be the answer to the two issues that have amassed this backlog?

It has yet to be seen. One retiree from EPA is skeptical that even with an influx of 130 scientists transferred into the OPP, any benefits in terms of approvals won’t be seen for 18 months.

“If they allocate all of the transfers to new registrations — and ignore the FIFRA renewals — and if they are creative, by the time the Trump administration is over, things could be caught up,” they say.

One reason is the recent wave of early retirements, which currently employs 550 total scientists and 100 of those taking the early out package, which went into effect on May 5.

Fresh Del Monte introduces On-the-Go Oats With Fresh Fruit

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 22:09:05 GMT

Fresh Del Monte Produce N.A. Inc. has launched Del Monte On-the-Go Oats , a full line of breakfast meals with fresh-cut fruit. The new items tap into the growing trend of overnight oats — a booming category that is projected to grow to $17.8 million in the U.S. by 2030, says the company pointing to JC Market Research.

Available in three flavor varieties — Apples & Walnuts; Pineapple, Mango & Coconut; and Blueberries & Almonds — Del Monte On-the-Go Oats contain vanilla yogurt, oats and up to 2 ounces of fresh-cut fruit in each serving, according to a news release.

Unlike traditional overnight oats that require preparation, Del Monte On-the-Go Oats are ready-to-eat, with no cooking or preparation needed, appealing to the needs of consumers with busy lifestyles and limited time for preparing nutritious breakfasts, the release said.

Fresh fruit and vegetable intake among U.S. consumers is still far below Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines , with only approximately 1 in 10 U.S. adults meeting the advised fruit intake of 1.5-2 cup-equivalents of fruits and 2-3 cup-equivalents of vegetables daily, the company says. By offering fresh-cut fruit with whole oats and yogurt in a portable package, Del Monte says it aims to make it easier for consumers to incorporate more fresh fruit into their daily routines.

Del MonteOn-the-Go Oats is now available to ship to supermarkets, convenience stores and other retailers throughout North America, the release said.

Mary's Blog: Take A Better Break with Del Monte

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:17:50 GMT

Need a break? We have the “Better Break” that’s perfect for you!

I have a new way for you to take a break - a better break that is. Here are three reasons why you’ll love the new Better Break from Del Monte.

Quick and easy for my on-the-go lifestyle

When I am pressed for time and rushing out the door, I am setting myself up for guilty temptations later - the busier I get the harder it is to eat healthy! So, now I can just take a Better Break™ snack with me to help make my busy days easier to digest. I am only three minutes away from a hot, healthy snack that will satisfy me and not slow me down! I can keep on-track, on-point and most importantly, on-the-go!

Low calories and healthy

It is hard enough to stay fit, so after a workout, I sure don’t want to consume all of the calories I just burned. That’s why this Better Break™ is perfect - it’s only 130 calories per bowl, filled with wholesome fruits and vegetables that my body needs to stay fit and healthy. And I don’t feel like I’m missing out because there are so many rich, great flavors to enjoy - guilt-free!

Fresh and delicious

If you love fresh food, you’re going to love Better Break™. These are great snacks made with fresh vegetables ….cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, kale, kohlrabi, and so many others! Best part? You get the best of vegetables without the hassle of you having to cut them all up! They’re already diced and sliced for you! Not to mention the delicious sauces that come with all of them!
Whatever the occasion for a great snack maybe, you’ll find a “Better Break” that’s perfect for you. Cheers to happy, healthy farm-fresh eating!

GOPEX 2020: Products from the expo

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:24:07 GMT

North Bay Produce releases dried fruit lines

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:16:47 GMT

Traverse City, Mich.-based North Bay Produce Inc . has added dried fruits to its offerings.

The new line includes blueberries , cherries , cherries with zero-added sugar, cranberries , and whole cranberries, according to a news release.

“Many of the North Bay’s farms grow these fruits and it is another way to offer healthy products that consumers crave,” Nick Osmulski, president of North Bay, said in the release. “For years many of our customers have asked if we might offer dried fruits. So, after extensively studying the best methods of drying to assure that the best flavor and health benefits come through, North Bay is finally ready to launch this exciting new product line.”

North Bay will have the dried fruit at booth No. 2080 at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit expo Oct. 18-19 in Anaheim, Calif.

“There is a real art and science to drying fruit well and we feel that we have perfected the craft,” Jon Wall, vice president of operations of North Bay, said in the release. “We are excited to be launching North Bay Produce Dried Fruits and we believe it will be a hit because most importantly, people will taste the real fruit flavor in every bite.”

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