Pesticides Are a Vital and Strictly Regulated Tool for Farmers
America’s farmers need trusted and approved pesticides to protect their crops and grow abundant, healthy food.
Thanks to farmers, Americans enjoy one of the safest and most abundant food supplies in the world.
More than 96% of U.S. farms are family-owned. Not only are our nation’s farmers proud of the essential role they play in growing food for the U.S. and many other countries, they also care deeply about safety because they live in the same communities and eat the same food they produce.
We must empower our nation’s farmers with the tools and technology they need to fill our grocery shelves sustainably and efficiently with healthy and affordable food choices, including fresh fruits, vegetables and grains.
Closely Studied and Strictly Regulated
The pesticides used by American farmers are some of the most closely studied and regulated substances on Earth. They have been thoroughly vetted by U.S. regulatory authorities, and food, health, and environmental scientists to ensure that they do not pose an unreasonable risk when used as directed. This includes public scrutiny and independent scientific peer review by numerous groups and panels. This review process emphasizes protecting the most vulnerable populations, including children, farmers, and applicators.
Annual testing from scientists at USDA and FDA finds that more than 99% of food and feed products comply with stringent pesticide residue standards. And all products are monitored and subjected to reviews whenever new scientific data becomes available to ensure they meet current scientific standards.
Keeping Food Affordable — And Healthy Options Within Reach
Without pesticides, the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables would skyrocket, putting healthy eating out of reach for millions of Americans already stretched thin by inflation. Consumers should have the right to choose whether to pay more for organic foods or to have healthy, more affordable options.
Every family should have the freedom to afford fresh fruits and vegetables without breaking the bank.
America’s Farmers Are Our Greatest Asset
Farmers are the backbone of America’s economy, especially in rural communities. Agriculture supports 24 million U.S. jobs and fuels $9.5 trillion in economic activity. Without pesticides, crop losses would increase — devastating farms, shutting down businesses, and sending food costs soaring.
Food Security Is National Security
Like domestic energy production, America’s ability to grow its own food makes our country more secure and stronger on the world stage. Without pesticides, America’s strategic advantage in this area would erode significantly.
Supporting America’s Role in the World
In 2024, American farmers exported $176 billion in agricultural products to 189 countries, helping
reduce our trade deficit. Without pesticides, we would lose markets to competitors and be
forced to import food from other countries. Once crop production moves outside the United States,
it does not return. This puts American farmers and the entire supply chain at a permanent and
irreversible disadvantage.
Quite simply, supporting American farmers means strengthening America’s leadership.