The Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) is joining the American Soybean Association (ASA) and several other agriculture groups in applauding a ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals that throws out the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule that banned the use of chlorpyrifos.  

“Today’s ruling is a win for agriculture and science-based regulation,” ASA President Daryl Cates said. “Federal agencies cannot be permitted to ignore their own science at the expense of America’s farmers. This ruling will restore safe, effective uses of a tool needed by many growers to protect crops from damaging pests and help preserve an affordable food supply.” 

A proud member of ASA, WSA works year-round to ensure that Wisconsin soybean growers have a seat at the table in Madison and Washington, D.C. This decision, in which the court found that the EPA disregarded its own scientists’ findings by ending numerous uses of chlorpyrifos they determined were safe, vacates the rule and restores agricultural uses of the tool, benefiting growers across the nation.  

“We’re happy that the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld sound science,” said Tanner Johnson, who represents Wisconsin on the ASA board. “The EPA has a thankless job, but in this instance the EPA did not listen to their own scientists’ findings, and it put thousands of farmers in a disadvantageous position. Chlorpyrifos is a useful tool, and farmers are in a better position to raise their crops profitably and sustainably.”  

Spearheaded by the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, 20 agriculture groups, including ASA, brought the lawsuit against the agency in February 2022. The groups highlighted that, in EPA’s own records, agency career scientists have found at least 11 high-benefit, low-risk agricultural uses of chlorpyrifos that can be maintained safely.  

“We’re very pleased with this ruling from the Eighth Circuit,” WSA Manager of Strategic Programs Ryan Smith said. “The Court recognized that the EPA once again overstepped their authority and didn’t follow the science. Thanks to this ruling, our farmers can continue to feed this country in a responsible way, following the science.” 

As Wisconsin soybean growers go about their days, planting, tending and harvesting their crops, WSA is keeping an eye on Madison and Washington, D.C., on behalf of its 1,200 members to make sure that farm friendly policy is adopted through the legislative and judicial systems. By joining WSA, members are also supporting national organizations like ASA and helping to solidify a strong future for Wisconsin soybean growers. To support WSA’s advocacy mission, visit wisoybean.org/wsa/membership/.