AFBF Celebrates Court Order that EPA Follow Science

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals granted a major victory to farmers today when it ruled the Environmental Protection Agency must base its decisions on sound science and the law. The court was clear that EPA failed to follow the law when it revoked chlorpyrifos tolerances – effectively banning the pesticide. The American Farm Bureau Federation was one of several agriculture organizations that sued EPA, asserting the agency ignored scientific evidence that proved the pesticide’s safety.

“AFBF appreciates the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for recognizing that the Environmental Protection Agency failed to follow the law when it revoked the use of chlorpyrifos,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers are committed to growing safe and nutritious food, and they use science to guide decisions on how to manage pests and insects. Today’s decision sends a message to EPA that it, too, must use sound science when drafting rules.”

To read the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, click here.