US: BPIA talks to Congress about biopesticides and biostimulants

The BPIA Government Affairs Committee (GAC) recently held the BPIA Fall 2018 Capitol Hill Day. GAC members spent the day at the United States Senate introducing BPIA and biological products including biopesticides and biostimulants to Congressional staff.

GAC members met with the offices of Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

During the meetings, BPIA asked that the Senate enact the Pesticide Registration Enhancement Act (PREA) before the program’s current authorization under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) expires. See BPIA’s PREA/PRIA talking points here. BPIA also asked for support for inclusion of the proposed definition of biostimulants in the next Farm Bill. See the joint association letter to Chairman Roberts here. Unfortunately, Congressional staff were not optimistic regarding a Farm Bill agreement being reached soon. However, the reasons for the delay are completely unrelated to any BPIA issues.

The GAC greatly appreciates the efforts of the BPIA members who participated in this Capitol Hill Day, especially those who came from out of town. All BPIA are encouraged members to participate in future BPIA Capitol Hill Days. They are looking forward to seeing everyone next week at the 2018 Fall Meeting in Rochester, NY. You can still register to attend here.