By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft fungicide strategy designed to support compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposal is part of the agency’s ongoing effort to reduce potential risks that agricultural pesticides may pose to federally listed endangered and threatened species and their habitats.
The EPA has already finalized ESA strategies for agricultural herbicides and insecticides, and several pesticide products now include updated ESA-related label requirements. Agricultural fungicides are the next category being reviewed under this framework.
The draft fungicide strategy follows a similar approach used in the existing herbicide and insecticide strategies. It evaluates the possible effects of agricultural fungicides on protected species and identifies mitigation measures that could help reduce environmental risks while allowing growers to continue using these products effectively.
One of the key differences in the draft proposal is the assessment of vertebrate animals, such as birds and mammals, that may be present in agricultural fields. The strategy examines how these animals could be exposed to fungicides through contaminated food sources, including treated seeds. This marks a broader evaluation compared to previous herbicide and insecticide strategies.
The proposal also introduces additional spray drift mitigation options. The EPA suggests expanding the use of oil emulsion adjuvants for fungicides and insecticides, whereas they were previously limited to herbicide applications. The draft plan further includes guar gum spray drift adjuvants as an approved option for fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides when used at specified rates and spray volumes.
Another notable feature of the strategy is the inclusion of fungicide usage data. Because fungicide use often varies by region, the EPA has incorporated acreage treatment information to better identify areas where mitigation measures may be needed to protect sensitive species and habitats.
The agency is encouraging farmers, agricultural stakeholders, researchers, industry representatives, and the public to review the draft strategy and provide feedback. Public comments will help the EPA evaluate the proposal and refine its approach before issuing the final version.
Interested individuals can submit comments through the official regulatory docket until July 20, 2026. The deadline is important because the EPA aims to finalize the fungicide strategy by Fall 2026.
The proposed strategy highlights the EPA’s continued efforts to balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation. If implemented, the plan could provide farmers with clear guidance while strengthening protections for endangered wildlife and critical habitats across agricultural regions.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture