On Tuesday April 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Insecticide Strategy that identifies practical protections for federally endangered and threatened species from the use of insecticides. Following the EPA’s Herbicide Strategy, the Final Insecticide Strategy offers a framework to protect over 900 federally endangered and threatened species while maintaining flexibility in pesticide use. Released in final form after a July 2024 draft and public comments, the strategy guides EPA’s insecticide registration and reevaluation processes but does not impose direct requirements on farmers. Instead, the framework will apply as labels come up for registration or re-registration.  

Key updates, informed by over 26,000 comments, guided attempts to make mitigation measures easier for growers to adopt. These include reduced buffer distances for all application methods, tailored mitigations for spray drift and runoff, and credits for practices like reduced field treatment or shorter aerial boom lengths. Farmers can also earn credits through conservation programs or third-party assessments of existing farm practices.  

The strategy includes Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) to focus mitigations where species are at risk, minimizing unnecessary restrictions. Additionally, the EPA is developing digital tools like apps, to help farmers identify PULAs and track mitigation credits easily. Ongoing efforts include evaluating spray drift adjuvants, incorporating more conservation programs, and refining PULA maps with stakeholder input.  

In response to concerns from farm groups, the agency specifically noted the following changes compared to the draft insecticide strategy released in July 2024. These included reducing potential buffer distances, providing credit for reducing the amount of a field treated (i.e. variable rate applications), expanding mitigation menu options, and developing a process to allow third parties to partner with farmers to help meet mitigation requirements.   

Farmers benefit from increased flexibility, science-based adjustments, and tools to balance species protection with operational needs. The Illinois Soybean Association will continue to engage with farmers to help them stay informed on this topic. 

 Learn More: Strategy to Protect Endangered Species from Insecticides | US EPA