RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), recently hosted an interactive, special session for more than 65 registrants, federal agency staffers and industry members at the 2016 RISE-CropLife America Spring Conference.
“EPA Labels Live! Pesticide Labels from the Lab to Your Neighborhood” provided the opportunity to educate participants on the lifecycle of specialty pesticide products and how each decision of the lifecycle is purpose-built to ensure products are effective and can be used safely. Throughout the session, industry leaders representative of every stage of the process, including registrants, applicators and educators, demonstrated how stewardship is incorporated from research and development through application.
“It is important to have open and honest dialogue with federal agencies to share how each one of us plays an integral role in the product lifecycle,” said Karen Larson, RISE regulatory affairs committee chairman and vice president of regulatory affairs of Clarke, a developer of mosquito control products. “This session allowed our members to have a conversation with regulators outside of a regulated context, and showed both parties how we are all working towards a common goal.”
Participants cycled through seven stages, discussing important topics including, problem identification, efficacy testing, label changes, stewardship in research and development, and pesticide safety education. The session concluded with a questions and answers session that allowed for time to address any misconceptions, pending questions, and highlights from the stations’ conversations.
“We plan to continue these conversations with federal agencies to ensure there is an understanding about how purposeful development is throughout all stages of the specialty pesticide product lifecycle,” said RISE president Aaron Hobbs. “This session exceeded our expectations and we want to thank everyone involved for their participation.”
Support for EPA-approved neonicotinoids and bee health
In other news, RISE also recently issued a statement showing its support of EPA-approved neonicotinoids and bee health. “Our industry is committed to promoting the health of our nation’s pollinators, and we recognize the important role we play in maintaining healthy ecosystems,” the statement read.
Recent decisions to remove neonicotinoids from consumer products and retail locations do not reflect the rigorous review process of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), RISE officials are quick to point out. EPA uses the best available science before approving a pesticide product for sale and use. Consumers can be assured that an EPA-approved product purchased at retail locations is safe for use when used according to label instructions.
“A collaborative effort is needed to work toward our shared goal of promoting the long-term health of our nation’s bees, and our decisions to provide positive support and outcomes for honeybees must rely on reliable data, scientific innovation and collaboration,” the statement said. “We are actively involved in this effort in multiple ways on behalf of our industry, including the White House’s National Pollinator strategy, the planting of bee forage, and consumer education efforts.
“Neonicotinoids remain an important tool in the toolbox for consumers and professionals to responsibly and effectively manage harmful pests. As with all EPA-registered pesticide products, they can be used safely when used according to label instructions, protecting our trees and plants from damaging insects and our pets from fleas and ticks.”
Located in Washington, D.C., RISE is the national association representing the manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders involved with pesticide and fertilizer products used in vector control, turf, ornamental, pest control, aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and other non-food/fiber applications. Learn more about RISE at www.debugthemyths.com.
