ARA Pushes EPA for More Time to Get Conservation Framework Right

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) has asked EPA for a 60‑day extension on its March 6 deadline for comments on the agency’s draft process for becoming an EPA‑Qualified Conservation Program or Qualified External Party. ARA says the proposal is highly technical and requires careful review across its diverse national membership. Retail agronomists, Certified Crop Advisers, and Technical Service Providers play a key role in helping farmers implement conservation practices, giving them practical insight into how EPA’s proposed criteria may work in the field. ARA noted that additional time would allow for broader input from growers, conservation districts, and other partners directly affected by the changes. ARA emphasized that an extension would improve the quality and usefulness of stakeholder feedback, helping EPA craft a clearer and more workable final framework.