USA: EPA Invites Public Feedback on New System to Help Farmers Manage Pesticide Runoff and Soil Erosion

12 February 2026, US: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has invited public comments on a proposed framework to qualify conservation programmes and technical experts who can support farmers in managing pesticide runoff and soil erosion more effectively.

The proposal aims to create an official list of EPA-qualified conservation programmes and experts with proven expertise in runoff and erosion mitigation. This would help growers easily identify credible guidance and adopt practices that reduce pesticide movement into rivers, streams, and nearby communities—while continuing productive farming.

Supporting Farmers While Protecting Soil and Water

According to EPA, all conservation programmes and experts seeking qualification would need to meet clear, science-based standards. Only those that demonstrate real, measurable reductions in runoff and erosion would be approved. Programmes that do not sufficiently improve environmental protection would not qualify.

The agency emphasises that the initiative is designed to reduce confusion and paperwork for farmers, not increase it. Many growers already follow good stewardship practices such as cover cropping, grassed waterways, or field levelling. Under the proposed system, these farmers would receive formal credit for existing efforts instead of being required to start new compliance processes.

Expanding Conservation Plans Under EPA’s Insecticide Strategy

As part of its final Insecticide Strategy, EPA has already made one qualified conservation plan available to farmers. The new proposal is the first step toward recognising additional conservation plans and practices that meet runoff and erosion mitigation requirements.

EPA also plans to clearly explain how mitigation measures are scored and to update the scoring system as new scientific evidence emerges, ensuring that protections remain effective over time.

Understanding EPA’s Mitigation Point System

EPA’s approach is closely linked to its Mitigation Point System, developed to meet obligations under the Endangered Species Act. The system assigns a specific number of points to pesticide products, reflecting how much runoff and erosion mitigation is needed to protect non-target organisms, including threatened and endangered species.

Each point represents a defined level of risk reduction based on scientific assessment. These mitigation requirements are listed directly on pesticide labels and official EPA bulletins. Before applying a pesticide, growers must ensure that their fields meet or exceed the required number of points by adopting suitable mitigation practices.

Farmers can earn mitigation points through:

• Implementing runoff and erosion control measures on treated fields
• Beneficial field characteristics or application methods, such as flat slopes, micro-sprinkler irrigation, or limited treatment areas
• Participation in an EPA-qualified conservation programme

What EPA Is Proposing

Under the proposal, EPA plans to:

• Allow growers to earn credit for conservation practices implemented under a qualified programme if those practices generate at least nine mitigation points
• Recognise qualified technical experts who can assess field conditions and assign mitigation points based on existing erosion and runoff-reducing features
• Enable experts to provide documentation showing how many points a field already qualifies for, helping ensure pesticide applications remain label-compliant
• Open an online application process for conservation programmes and technical experts to become EPA-Qualified

EPA says this approach will strengthen protections for endangered species and sensitive habitats while reducing compliance burdens for farmers already investing in soil health and sustainable practices.

Also Read: Indian Agricultural Products Will Get Zero-tariff Market Access In The US

Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com