ARA Urges EPA to Build ESA Mitigation on Existing Conservation and Advisor Networks

ARA submitted comments to EPA on its proposal to establish a process for qualifying conservation programs and third-party technical experts to help growers meet pesticide runoff and erosion mitigation requirements under the Endangered Species Act.

While supporting EPA’s conservation goals, ARA urged the agency to rely on existing USDA-NRCS conservation programs and recognize Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) as qualified technical experts, allowing growers and retailers to build on proven stewardship practices already in place. ARA emphasized that voluntary, outcome-based conservation delivers real environmental benefits without adding unnecessary complexity or regulatory risk for ag retailers and farmers.