Georgia's agricultural community is celebrating a significant victory with Governor Brian Kemp's recent signing of Senate Bill 144 (SB 144). This legislation reaffirms the authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its scientific rulings regarding the safety and labeling of crucial crop protection products. Georgia now joins North Dakota in explicitly supporting the EPA's science-backed assessments, a move lauded by farmers and agricultural stakeholders across the state.

The passage of SB 144 is viewed as a crucial step in safeguarding farmers' access to essential tools needed to produce affordable and abundant food. The bill essentially reinforces the integrity of the federal regulatory process, ensuring that the EPA's thorough, science-based conclusions on the safety of crop protection products are upheld within the state. Furthermore, it strengthens the adherence to health and safety warning labels that are already the result of an extensive regulatory review.

While the ultimate interpretation of the law will rest with the courts, there is optimism that SB 144 will reinforce legal certainty concerning claims about warning labels on crop protection products. The bill's passage is attributed to the concerted efforts of lawmakers, commodity groups, farmers, and Georgians who recognize the vital contribution of the agricultural sector to the state's economy, which, along with related industries, generates over $91 billion annually.

A key focus of the discussion surrounding crop protection tools is glyphosate-based herbicides. These products have been instrumental in modern farming practices by providing effective and safe weed management, a critical factor in maximizing farm yields and enabling sustainable farming methods. Supporters of SB 144 emphasize that glyphosate, like all crop protection products, has undergone rigorous testing and oversight. They point to the EPA and other leading regulatory bodies worldwide, which have consistently concluded that glyphosate-based products are safe for use when applied according to label directions.

Brian Naber, President of Crop Science North America & Australia/New Zealand Region expressed his appreciation for the Governor's action. "The signing of SB 144 by Governor Kemp demonstrates that Georgia stands with its farmers, who work tirelessly to produce safe and affordable food for communities throughout the state," Naber stated. He also thanked the legislators, farmers, and agricultural groups who championed the legislation.

Naber further emphasized the broader implications of this decision, highlighting the commitment of companies like Bayer to developing agricultural innovations that support farmers' success. He noted the potential for increased grocery costs if vital crop protection tools were to be restricted, expressing hope that other states considering similar legislation would follow Georgia's lead in supporting farmers.