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"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the leadership of the
Trump Administration, recognizes that U.S. farmers and ranchers have the
ability to be some of the agency's strongest allies in fulfilling its mission
to protect human health and the environment."
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler

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EPA ACTIONS IN 2020 WHICH SUPPORTED THE PARTNERSHIP
AND RESTORED TRUST WITH AGRICULTURE COMMUNITIES
In 2020, EPA continued to listen to the needs of America's farmers. While navigating unique challenges from the
COVID-19 pandemic, the agency met with farmers, ranchers and other agriculture stakeholders out in their fields,
and found new ways to strengthen our partnership with these important conservationists of the land. EPA took
actions to meet the environmental needs of U.S. agriculture, while ensuring decisions were clear, transparent, and
based on sound science. Through Administrator Wheeler's direction, EPA worked to restore trust through proactive
engagement with the agriculture community, deliver regulatory relief and certainty to U.S. agriculture, and provide
environmental support through grants and other tools.
Farm, Ranch arid Rural Communities Committee: In June,
Administrator Wheeler reinstated the Farm, Ranch and Rural
Communities Committee, appointing 32 members who represent
all 10 EPA Regions. This advisory committee will provide valuable
independent policy advice, information, and recommendations
to the EPA Administrator on a range of environmental issues and
policies of importance to agriculture and rural communities.
Since the reinstation, the Committee has met twice, and received their charge to look at: how EPA can create a
holistic pesticide program for the future, and how EPA can support environmental benchmarks with interagency
partners on the topics of water quality and quantity, and food loss and waste. The Committee will hold their third
public meeting in March of 2021.
Providing Farmers Clarity Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: EPA recognizes the extraordinary situations the
agriculture industry has faced since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and worked across our program
offices to ensure continuity in the food supply. Through temporary policies on facility inspections, offering guidance
on milk dumping and carcass disposal management and addressing PPE shortages for pesticide application, EPA
continues to listen to the agriculture community on what's happening locally and working with additional agencies
and the White House on the best ways to assist producers.
Committing to Collaborating with Agriculture: EPA has entered into a series of Memorandum of Understandings
(MOUs) with the intent to increase collaboration and communication with agriculture stakeholders. Throughout the
year, EPA Regions entered into agreements with twelve
state departments of agriculture, and one state farm
bureau focusing on coordinating education and outreach
efforts, while recognizing environmental stewardship
activities. In addition, Administrator Wheeler signed a
first-time MOU with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy in
November 2020.
These MOUs are meant to continue building partnerships
with the agriculture community, while promoting
sustainability and reaching for environmental successes
in mutually beneficial and critical areas. EPA recognizes
farmers and ranchers as natural allies in EPA's mission to
protect human health and the environment.
"The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is founded on collaboration, and we appreciate EPA's
recognition of U.S. dairy's leadership toward building an environmentally sustainable and
economically viable future for our industry. We welcome the voluntary opportunities highlighted in
the MOU and look forward to EPA participation as a member of the Dairy Sustainability Alliance."
- Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy President Barbara O'Brien
HIFRRCC
lAgriculture Producing Solutions
Region 5 Administrator Thiede signing an agreement with the Illinois Farm
Bureau to strengthen collaboration and improve communication and outreach
with farmers, with Illinois Representative Rodney Davis and Illinois Farm
Bureau Director of Natural and Environmental Resources Lauren Lurkins,
EPA'S SUPPORT OF RURAL AMERICA
2020
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Not only were the signing of these MOLJs navigated during
COViD, but EPA had to pivot to find new, creative ways to
implement outstanding MOUs, like further collaboration
with the National FFA Organization, which EPA entered
into an agreement in 2019. This included addressing
virtual meetings and collaborating with agency experts on
environmental education courses for education purposes.
"Government should work for you — not against you. This agreement lays the foundation for a
working partnership making our federal agencies more responsive and better coordinated with our
state and local governments," said U.S. Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07).
"This is one more example of President Trump and his administration putting commonsense
and the needs of the American people first by working with stakeholders and the citizens at large
rather than dictating."
ENSURING AVAILABILITY FOR AND SAFE USE OF CROP
PROTECTION TOOLS
Innovation in agricultural tools is critical for a healthy environment,
the health of farmworkers, and vibrant crops. In 2020, EPA
registered 16 new active ingredients, many of which were classified
as lower risk, biopesticides, one new import tolerance, 163 new
uses of existing pesticides, and re-registered over 50 existing
pesticides products. Many of these are providing new tools to help
growers meet their pest management needs as well as advancing
the best available scientific support for the agency's work.
Application Exclusion Zone: In October, EPA finalized
improvements to requirements for the pesticide application
exclusion zone (AEZ) - the area surrounding pesticide application
equipment that exists only during outdoor production pesticide applications. EPA's targeted changes improve the
enforceability and workability of the AEZ requirements, decrease regulatory burdens for farmers, and maintain
critical worker protections.
Atrazine: In September. EPA announced new measures to protect human health, mitigate potential ecological risks
with the interim decision for atrazine, the second most widely used herbicide in the United States, giving clarity and
certainty concerning continued use to growers.
Biostimuiants: In November, EPA released updated draft guidance for plant bio stimulants for a second round of
public comment. Plant bio stimulants are a relatively new but growing category of products containing naturally
occurring substances and microbes. Plant bio stimulants can also reduce the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers,
making it an attractive option for sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management programs. When
finalized, EPA's Plant Bio stimulants Guidance will provide sought-after certainty and transparency for this growing
area of the economy.
Biotechnology: Under President Trump's Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for
Agricultural Biotechnology Products, EPA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Food
and Drug Administration, launched a unified website in January 2020 that provides a one-stop-shop for information
about the actions the federal government is taking to oversee the development of agricultural biotechnology
products. EPA continued to remove barriers to biotechnology innovation in September, by proposing exemptions
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) for certain PIPs created through biotechnology. By reducing antiquated regulations that restrict
access to the market for biotechnology products, science-based innovations to agriculture will become far more
accessible to American farmers.
EPA'S SUPPORT OF RURAL AMERICA
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Dicamba: EPA wants farmers to have the choice on what to use in their fields. In
June, EPA fought to let farmers use already purchased dicamba after the vacatur
order of dicamba registrations from the 9th Circuit of Appeals. EPA listened to
the communities overwhelming response, and in October. EPA approved new
five-year registrations for two dicamba products and extended the registration
of an additional dicamba product. AN three registrations include new control
measures to ensure these products can be used effectively while protecting the
environment, including non-target plants, animais, and other crops not tolerant
to dicamba. These registrations are only for use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and
soybeans and will expire in 2025, providing certainty to American agriculture for
the upcoming growing season and beyond.
Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Partnership Program: In January 2021, EPA announced a renewed
commitment to partnering with the agricultural community to work on innovative solutions for pesticide
management. The $2 million Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Partnership Program (PESP) will support
research and initiatives supporting agriculture and aligning with the agency's goal of providing a healthier
environment for all Americans.
Pollinator Protection: In June, Administrator Wheeler signed a proclamation designating the week of June 22 as
National Pollinator Week - for the first time in the 50-year history of EPA. EPA also renewed its memorandum of
understanding (MOU) with the Pollinator Partnership, a nonprofit organization that facilitates actions that benefit
pollinator habitats. In September, EPA co-hosted the Pollinator State of Science Workshop webinar with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. The goal of the webinar was to identify outcome-based strategies to mitigate the
potential impact of multiple stressors influencing pollinator declines. Participants, representing a wide range of
stakeholders, discussed USDA research to identify ways to improve pollinator health through collaborative efforts
across a wide range of government, industry, growers, academia and other stakeholders.
SUPPORTING THE RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): EPA has consistently increased the
renewable volume obligations, supporting farmers through actions under
the RFS Program. EPA worked to ensure a net of 15 billion gallons of
conventional biofuel are blended into the nation's fuel supply, for the first
time since the program's inception. In 2020, EPA moved to deny petitions
for small refinery exemptions for past compliance years to protect the
integrity of the RFS. EPA is engaging with stakeholders across the U.S.
to expand the number of approved fuel pathways, adding diversity to
the biofuel mix. As promised, EPA eliminated a significant barrier to E15
market access, and E15 is now available in 30 states at over 2,000 stations.
~
ENSURING ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••a
"Farmers and ranchers care about clean water and preserving the land, which are essential to
producing healthy food and fiber and ensuring future generations can do the same. That's why we
support the new clean water rule. It provides clarity and certainty, allowing farmers to understand
water regulations without having to hire teams of consultants and lawyers. We appreciate the
commitment of the agencies involved and this administration to crafting a new regulation that
achieves important regulatory oversight while allowing farmers to farm.
Clean water, clear rules."
- American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall
Navigable Waters Protection Rule: EPA replaced the Waters of the U.S. rule with the now final Navigable Waters
Protection Rule, which streamlines the definition of "waters of the United States" so that it includes four simple
categories of jurisdictional waters, provides clear exclusions for many water features that traditionally have not
been regulated, and defines terms in the regulatory text that have never been defined before. Providing clarity,
predictability and consistency to landowners in rural America. The rule went into effect on June 22, 2020.
EPA'S SUPPORT OF RURAL AMERICA
2020
5

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WIFIA Loans: The EPA's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program is providing financial
support for water infrastructure at a critical time as the federal government, EPA, and the water sector work
together to help mitigate the public health and financial impacts of COVID-19. The EPA's WIFIA federal loan and
guarantee program provides long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for significant projects on a
regional and national level. In 2020, the EPA closed 32 transactions totaling over $5.2 billion to help finance over
$10.8 billion in water infrastructure projects across the country. This will create approximately 34,000 jobs and save
borrowers about $497 million in lowered interest rates.
State Revolving Funds: The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF)
play an integral role in President Trump's efforts to improve and upgrade the nation's water infrastructure and
to ensure all Americans have access to clean and safe water. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, the DWSRF committed
$2.8 billion for improved drinking water infrastructure, and funded an additional $178 million for critical activities
including operator certification, water system capacity development, and source water protection. The CWSRF
program is the largest public source of water quality financing in the country and has funded over $700 million in
agricultural best management practices (BMPs). The BMPs include feedlot runoff control, manure management
and conservation tillage, and erosion control.
"President Trump and his Administration are committed to making it easier for farmers to succeed
and to ensure they are the most innovative in the world. Administrator Wheeler's action plan on
water reuse will help inspire creative, problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches,
and private forests - ultimately improving water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat," said U.S.
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.
Water Reuse Action Plan: In February, Administrator Wheeler, joined by federal, state, tribal, and water sector
partners, announced the release of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP): Collaborative Implementation.
Safe and reliable water supplies for human
consumption, agriculture, business, industry,
recreation and healthy ecosystems are critical to our
nation's communities and economy. Due to various
pressures, 40 U.S. states anticipate freshwater
shortages within their borders in the next decade.
Water reuse (also known as water recycling or
reclamation) is a powerful option to enhance the
availability and effective use of our nation's water
resources. The WRAP continues to grow and adopt
new actions that address challenges and barriers to
fulfill state, tribal, and water sector needs related to
water reuse.
Water Subcabinet: On October 13th, President Trump signed an Executive Order 13956 "Modernizing America's
Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure." This action ensures Federal coordination on water policy
is standard practice now and into the future by formally establishing a Water Subcabinet (WSC) of senior Federal
agency officials to facilitate efficient and effective management and modernization of our water supplies and
systems while also eliminating duplication between agencies Represented by six Agency officials at the assistant
secretary/administrator-level, the WSC is directed to coordinate and collaborate on cross-cutting issues impacting
water supply, water quality, water infrastructure, water forecasting, flood control, and water sector workforce,
among other critical topics. EPA cochairs the WSC with the Department of Interior.
The WSC Executive Order also includes directives to promote integrating planning, accelerate market-based
mechanisms to achieve positive environmental outcomes, ensure water reuse's role in meeting the needs of the
21st century water economy, improve geospatial mapping tools of the nation's water resources, and a variety of
other directives that will ensure EPA's mission of protecting public health and the environment is coordinated with
the major federal agencies with water equity and investment capacity.
6
EPA'S SUPPORT OF RURAL AMERICA
2020

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ERA'S EXPANDED EFFORTS TO APPROACH
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
"EPA supports cutting-edge research to help agricultural and rural economies better address the
potential impact of PFAS on ranches, farms and rural communities," said EPA Administrator Andrew
Wheeler. "This research helps our colleagues at the federal, state, and local level better understand
the exposure risks of PFAS to private drinking water wells. This, in turn, will improve future disposal
methods and treatment systems for the chemical."
PFAS: EPA expanded efforts to address the potential impacts of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on
water quality and availability in rural communities and agricultural operations across the United States. In February
2020, EPA released the first-ever PFAS Action Plan Program Update, delivering on the Administrator's commitment
- continuing the momentum under the plan and reaching key milestones under the agency's first multi-media,
multi-program, national research, management, and risk communication plan to address a challenge like PFAS.
In August, EPA awarded $4.8 million in grants to research for potential impacts and treatment of PFAS in rural
America and the agricultural sector.
Setting the Pace on Reducing Food Waste: In 2020, EPA
worked to continue to buiid upon success in garnering attention
on the need to address food loss and waste. Wasted food is the
single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills and
contributes to methane emissions. Wasted food also represents
missed opportunities to feed families in need, feed animals and
conserve both economic and energy resources. In December,
EPA, USDA and the FDA resigned the formal agreement behind
the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative for three years to
enhance federal collaboration on existing food waste reduction
programs across the three agencies.
In 2020, EPA and USDA have welcomed ten new businesses and organizations to the U.S. Food Loss and Waste
2030 Champions. The Champions have made the commitment to reduce food loss and waste by 50 percent in
their own operations by 2030. The list of Champions include: Ahold Delhaize, Amazon, Aramark, Blue Apron, Bon
Appetit, Browns Superstores, Campbells, Compass Group, ConAgra, Farmstead, General Mills, Giant Eagle, Hello
Fresh, Hilton, Kellogg's, Kroger, Las Vegas Sands, Marley Spoon, Meijer, MGM Resorts, Mom's Organic Market,
Pepsico, Sodexo, Sprouts, The Wendy's Company, UNFI, Unilever, Walmart, Walt Disney World, Wegmans, Weis,
Whitsons and Yum! Brands.
In addition to U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions, EPA has engaged with local, tribal, state and territorial
governments interested in making a commitment to food waste reduction by signing the agency's Reducing Food
Waste pledge.
PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT THROUGH
GRANTS AND OTHER TOOLS
Benefitting Animal Producers from Biogas Recovery: EPA supports the acceleration of new and enhanced
anaerobic digestion capacity in the U.S through the AgSTAR program. Through this program, EPA assists those
who enable, purchase or implement anaerobic digesters by identifying project benefits, risks, options and
opportunities. Using biogas recovery systems, animal producers reduce methane emissions from livestock waste,
while achieving social, environmental, agricultural and economic benefits.
Improving Water Quality in Rural America: EPA awards regional grants to improve water quality, habitat,
and environmental education. In 2019, EPA distributed more than $165 million in Section 319 grants to states,
territories, and tribes to reduce nonpoint runoff in urban and rural settings in FY20. Over the iast two years, states
restored over 80 waters and reduced over 17 million pounds of nitrogen, nearly 4 million pounds of phosphorus,
and 3.5 million tons of excess sediment through Section 319 projects.
EPA'S SUPPORT OF RURAL AMERICA
2020
7

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Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge: In August, EPA partnered with USDA to launch the joint EPA-USDA partnership
and competition on Next Gen Fertilizers to Advance Agricultural Sustainability in the U.S. Along with EPA and
USDA, the competition is in collaboration with the Fertilizer Institute, the International Fertilizer Development
Center, the Nature Conservancy, and the National Corn Growers Association. The competition includes two
challenges that seek proposals for new and existing fertilizer technologies to maintain or improve crop yields while
reducing the impacts of fertilizers on the environment.
Revitalizing Small Towns and Rural Communities: EPA supports locally led, community-driven efforts, through
the Local Foods, Local Places program. Selected applicants receive help from the agency to protect air and
water quality, preserve open space and farmland, boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses,
improve access to healthy local food, and promote childhood wellness.
Smart Sectors Program: In the Spring of 2020, the partnership program released an interactive, web-based
"sector snapshot," a tool designed to provide the public easy access to historical environmental and economic
performance data on the agriculture sector basis over 20 years.
CONTINUING OUTREACH TO AGRICULTURE AND RURAL
COM M UNITIES
EPA's National Agriculture Advisor's Office and Regional Agriculture Advisors: The Office enables two-
way communication between EPA and agriculture stakeholders about priority environmental issues. Each EPA
Region has an agriculture advisor, who engages with their local farmers and agriculture groups to relay regulatory
information from the agency impacting agriculture while soliciting feedback.
Two websites are ran through the Ag Advisor's Office and EPA's National Agriculture Center, which provides
all growers, livestock producers, other agribusinesses, and agricultural information/education providers find
regulatory and non-regulatory agriculture-related information, recent press releases and other items of interest to
the agriculture community from across EPA. These sites also includes examples of environmental programs and
partnerships with the agriculture sector. Visit EPA's Agriculture Advisor's Corner: https://www.epa.gov/aariculture/
aa-advisor-corner and EPA's National Agriculture Center: https://www.epa.aov/aariculture/about-epas-national-
aariculture-center.

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EPA'S SUPPORT OF RURAL AMERICA
2020

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BOOTS ON THE GROUND - EPA REGIONAL OFFICES
PARTNERING WITH U.S. AGRICULTURE
"New England communities have a rich industrial and agricultural heritage dating back to the earliest post-
colonial communities; this legacy provides multiple ways that EPA programs can meaningfully engage
in partnerships to enhance public health protection, help spur economic revitalization, and protect our
environment. From supporting development of best practices for our unique cranberry bog agricultural
sector to helping post-industrial urban communities safely turn to local community gardening during a
pandemic, Region 1 had a lasting, beneficial impact on New England agriculture in 2020."
- Region 1 Administrator Dennis Deziel
REGION i: NEW ENGLAND
Priority Source Water Protection Projects: Region 1 has been working to
direct 10% of NRCS funds towards priority source water protection projects
in the region, a requirement of the 2018 Farm Bill. In FY2020, the Region 1
drinking water program coordinated closely with the states and NRCS to
prioritize specific drinking water source protection areas for the $6 million
in Farm Bill funds. In addition, the collaboration has resulted in each of the
six NRCS state offices establishing a Source Water Protection/Water Quality
subcommittee as part of their State Technical Committee.
Supporting Agriculture, Fisheries and Local Food Systems in New England
in 2020: In a year impacted by COVID-19, support has been challenging. A
Local Food/Local Places project in Woonsocket, Rl brought together Smart
Sectors, Brownfields, Opportunity Zones and Environmental Justice all in support
of growing the local food system for the economically distressed community.
When a contractor could not support a community food innovation tour due to the
pandemic, EPA stepped in to arrange a COVID-friendly community event with the
R1 Regional Administrator and key state and local stakeholders, including the Chief
of Agriculture at Rl DEM. When COVID concerns disrupted traditional soiiSHOP
program activities (where the Region's mobile lab helps local communities test for
lead in soil samples, among other in-community lab services), the Region created a
new, modified soiiSHOP protocol in partnership with the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District
focused on helping inform at-home, community and urban agriculture practitioners on the safe soil practices to
minimize lead exposure while growing food - a growing practice during the pandemic as more people turned to
at-home and local food production in urban areas. To help amplify these and other lessons learned from specific
community efforts during the pandemic and to help bring together cross-agency resources, EPA Region 1 has
been participating on a regional inter-agency COVID economic recovery task force lead by FEMA. There has been
significant focus on food systems, urban agriculture, and commercial agriculture and aquaculture operations,
which have been identified as high priority needs by the states, tribes, and communities engaged by this team.
Supporting Agricultural Innovation Improving Local Water Quality: Through the Long Island Futures Fund,
part of Region 1 's Long Island Sound Geographic Program, funding was awarded to help the Essex County
Natural Resources Conservation District develop a cover cropping species mix, planting strategy, and method for
monitoring reductions in nitrogen from farm runoff in the Upper Connecticut River Basin. Also through the Futures
Fund, the Region provided nearly $200,000 to support the Vermont Land Trust's work generating ecological
assessments and riparian/wetland restoration plans for 12 farmland conservation projects, as well as a watershed-
wide plan for a market-based financing model that will incentivize on-farm nitrogen reduction projects within
Vermont's Connecticut River (and Long Island Sound) watershed. On Cape Cod, EPA's Southeastern New England
Estuaries Program (SNEP) provided over $230,000 to Mt. Holyoke College in support of a project studying the
effectiveness of an innovative, low-tech method for reducing nitrogen pollution to coastal waters from cranberry
farming operations. These bioreactors could provide a model for restoring water quality in a host of degraded
ecosystems.
EPA Region 1 Jessica Dominguez, at the EPA/
ATSDR/USDA soiiSHOP, 2019 Connecticut Plant
Science Day.
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2020
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REGION 2: NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, PUERTO RICO &
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
"The EPA is pleased to be closely engaged with the farm community. Our farm families are
important stewards of our natural resources and we are pleased that we can work together to
protect the environment, even as they produce food and fiber for our nation."
- EPA Region 2 Administrator Peter Lopez
Genesee River, NY Watershed Demonstration Farms Network:
With $951,328 of funding from EPA's Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative, American Farmland Trust is working with a diverse set of
partners to accelerate adoption of soil regenerative and nutrient
management practices in the Genesee River Watershed through on
farm demonstrations and farmer-led trainings and outreach. As a result
of these practices, American Farmland Trust estimates that 45 lbs. of
phosphorus, 30 tons of sediment and 7,500 lbs. of nitrogen will be
prevented from entering the Genesee River watershed over the 3 years
of the project. The outcome of its efforts will reach farther into the
watershed and impact 1,200 farmers, affecting 115,000 acres of corn
and soybean acres and reducing phosphorus and sediment by 80%
and nitrogen by 75% in the Genesee River watershed.
New York City Watershed: The New York City Watershed Agricultural
Program is a unique program driven and led by farmers and protects
New York City drinking water quality through Whole Farm Plans, which
combine financial investment in structural environmental improvements
with agricultural best management practices. The program - started by
New York City and the watershed farm community and funded through
the New York City Department of Environmental Protection - is a win
for both water quality and agriculture.
REGION 3: IVIID-ATLANTIC
"In 2020, we signed agreements with our state agriculture departments to expand the collaborative
activities our agencies are taking together and with the broader agricultural community to promote
a vibrant farm economy and clean environment," said Servidio. "Working together to find solutions
that benefit both agriculture and the environment is a template for success and has led to similar
agreements in other regions of the country."
- Region 3 Administrator Cosmo Servidio
Furthering Collaborations with Agriculture Communities: The EPA Mid-Atlantic Region was the first to sign
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with State agriculture agencies in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and
West Virginia. These MOUs formalize and enhance EPA Region 3's successful collaboration with the agricultural
community to achieve the shared goal of well-managed, sustainable farms and a clean environment.
These five-year agreements expand activities related to communication, education and outreach, training,
regulatory program coordination, and funding of agricultural practices that benefit the environment. Examples of
activities EPA and the State agriculture agencies will carry out are:
•	Hosting Agriculture Roundtables and Educational Farm Tours to foster a dialogue between EPA and the
agricultural community on the successes, challenges, and opportunities to work together to achieve well-
managed, productive farms and a clean environment.
•	Participating in agricultural events such as State fairs, farm shows, and technical field days to expand open
discussion between EPA and the agricultural community.
•	Recognizing farmers for their environmental stewardship and conservation efforts that contribute to
10
EPA'S SUPPORT OF RURAL AMERICA
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economically viable farms, healthy soiis, arid a clean
environment.
•	Leveraging federal, state and private funding to support
agricultural conservation practices and environmental
protection.
•	Convening annual meetings with state and federal
leaders on priorities and activities, as well as joint
trainings to ensure effective implementation of federal
and state regulatory programs.
This ethic of working together in partnership is spreading
throughout the country with similar MOUs in the Southeast
and Great Lakes EPA regions.
EPA Region 3 Administrator Cosmo Servidio stands with the Landis family on
Worth the Wait Farms to sign an agreement with Pennsylvania Department
of Agriculture to expand collaborative efforts supporting healthy farms and a
clean environment. September 30,2020.
REGION 4: SOUTHEAST
¦•••••••••••••••••••••••¦•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••¦•••••••••••••••a**
"Region 4 has made it a priority to better engage with the agricultural stakeholder community.
We now have Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with all eight of our state departments
of agriculture. These historic agreements are an acknowledgement that when it comes to
environmental protection, agriculture is part of the solution."
- Region 4 Administrator Mary Walker
Strengthening Relationships with the Agricultural Community: EPA Region
4 has prioritized building, fostering and strengthening our relationships with
the agricultural stakeholder community. In 2020, EPA Region 4 successfully
negotiated, finalized and executed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with
all eight of the region's state departments of agriculture, making Region 4 the
first and only region in the country to achieve this accomplishment. The MOU
symbolizes EPA's and the state departments of agriculture's commitment to
partnership. The agencies recognize that partnership is needed to address
environmental concerns, which ultimately mutually benefits both environmental
protection and agricultural production. The MOUs include commitments to
better improve communication, coordination, education and outreach, as weli as
promoting outstanding environmental stewardship.
In 2020, Region 4 coordinated and/or participated in over 20 agriculture events,
which included hosting five events with EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. In
addition to signing the Memoranda of Understanding, Regional Administrator
Walker personally visited and toured agricultural operations in four states,
engaging directly with farmers. The response from southeastern agriculture
stakeholders has been tremendous. The positive relationships established will
undoubtedly yield greater engagement for many years to come.
Farmer to Farmer Grant Program: EPA Region 4 is focused on all issues
facing farmers and the agricultural industry. EPA's Farmer to Farmer program
is a collaboration of a wide range of stakeholders and organizations across an
entire watershed with a focus on reducing nutrient pollution resulting from excess
nitrogen and phosphorous in our water and air. This grant program provides
funding to improve water quality, habitat, resilience and environmental education
through the demonstration of innovative practices on working lands. The project
is designed to support farmer-led or farm focused organizations in the Gulf of
Mexico watershed within the continental United States. Since 2017, EPA has
awarded over $9.5 million to projects with a variety of partners to show nutrient
reduction progress in the Mississippi-Atchafaiaya River Basin, in FY2020, EPA's
investment is $10 million with an anticipated 12 recipients.
EPA Region 4 signed MOUs with all eight
states in their region in 2020, with 7 signings
in-person following CDC guidelines for
safety. Due to COVID-19 concerns, EPA
Region 4 pivoted to host a virtual signing
with the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services.
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2020
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REGION 5: GREAT LAKES
"The agricultural community is not only vital to the health and vitality of our economy,
but also that of our environment. Because of the efforts made over the past year to rebuild this
critical partnership, EPA and our agricultural partners are better prepared to achieve our
shared goals and serve the American people."
- Region 5 Administrator Kurt Thiede
Partnering with the Agriculture Community: During
2020. Regional Administrator Kurt Thiede sat down
in nearly a dozen machine shops across all Region
5 states to hear directly from Farm Bureaus and
farmers about their challenges and successes. These
opportunities resulted in better partnerships, and a
commitment to sharing information about conservation
practices. These best practices allow farmers to
protect their environment and communities, while
simultaneously operating their farms in a more efficient
manner.
Commitment to Partnering with the Agriculture
Community: EPA Region 5 is committed to
partnerships that continue collaborative efforts
recognizing agricultural environmental stewardship
through improved communications and outreach. To
demonstrate this partnership, EPA Region 5 and the
Illinois Farm Bureau signed the first Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) of its kind that commits to improved communication, education, outreach, and training of
agricultural practices that are economically viable while also benefitting the environment over the next 5 years.
Agreements such as this MOU are critical for keeping lines of communication with agricultural producers open and
engaging more effectively with the agricultural community.
Working with Farmers to Restore the Great Lakes Watershed: This year, EPA celebrated the 10th anniversary
of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which has contributed to a dramatic improvement in water quality
and sustainable habitat across the Great Lakes Region. GLRI has funded more than 5,400 projects totaling over
$2.7 billion over the last decade to improve water quality, protect and restore habitat, control invasive species and
manage other challenges in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Recipients include thousands of farmers, who implement
conservation practices across the Great Lakes Basin that have reduced phosphorus by over 1 million pounds in
target areas since 2010.
EPA Region 5 was successful in the official delisting of the Lower Menominee River Area of Concern in August.
This was the fifth area of concern to be delisted in our nation's history - and the first in Wisconsin. Contaminated
river sediment and degraded habitat had impaired public benefits such as healthy fisheries, uncontaminated
shipping channels, and wildlife habitats. Over $170 million was invested in the restoration effort, with $28 million of
GLRI funding for habitat and sediment projects, leveraging $15 million from non-federal sponsors.
Continuous improvement in reducing excess nutrients and sediment throughout the Great Lakes Basin is a major
priority for EPA and our partners. To make progress towards that goal, while also promoting innovation and best
practices, Region 5 awarded nearly $11 million in GLRI funding for 20 nutrient-reduction projects. This included
the very first EPA competitive grant opportunity for innovative market-based projects under the GLRI program
designed to accelerate nutrient reduction efforts in the Great Lakes Basin.
Following a visit with farmers in Indiana, Region 5 Administrator Thiede speaks to
Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron.
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REGION 6: ARKANSAS, LOUISANA, NEW MEXICO,
OKLAHOMA & TEXAS
"In Region 6, Agriculture is at the heart of our economic vitality and a significant part of our lives.
Farmers and ranchers are our nation's first environmentalists, committed to sustaining productive
and quality land and soil throughout America. We are dedicated to working with our Ag community
across the region to ensure the continued success of the sector,
as they provide essential foods and goods — from seed to table to stores -
for consumers around the world."
- EPA Region 6 Administrator Ken McQueen
Increased Engagement with Agriculture Partners:
Agriculture is a primary economic driver in all five states
in EPA's Region 6 (South Central US). In November 2019,
Region 6 launched its Agriculture Smart Sectors program at
an event attended by over 50 representatives from numerous
agriculture interests, including state agriculture departments
and conservation agencies, farm bureaus, commodity groups
from animal agriculture, grain and row crops. In addition to
Regional Administrator Ken McQueen and his senior leadership
team, representatives from EPA Headquarters Ag Policy Office EPA Region 6 Administrator Ken McQueen addresses Region 6's Smart
and Smart Sectors Program participated. As a follow-up,	Sectors Agriculture Launch Event. November 21,2019.
Region 6 held an additional agriculture Smart Sectors event in
January with State Department of Agriculture Secretaries from Arkansas,
Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. To finish out the year,
Region 6 held its second Agriculture Smart Sectors event, this time virtually,
again with over 50 representatives from varied agriculture interests. As
a result of input received at these engagements Region 6 has improved
its communication with the agricultural sector. For example, the Region
6 Ag Advisor now sends weekly updates to an expanded community of
agriculture sector professionals on topics such as pesticide approvals
and trainings, enforcement flexibility, and water quality policy changes.
Additionally, the regional Ag Advisor has followed up on requests made
by event participants, such as a request from the pork sector for technical
assistance clarifying EPA's guidance on carcass disposal should a pandemic occur in the sector as it did in China.
Assisting in Reducing Polluted Runoff: Region 6 is proud of its collaboration that has led to 168 formerly
polluted waterbodies being restored to meet water quality standards. Thanks to the efforts of state nonpoint
source programs which are utilizing EPA Clean Water Action (CWA) 319h funds and USDA-NRCS funds, they have
collaborated with farmers and ranchers who have voluntarily installed hundreds of best management practices to
contain polluted runoff from reaching these waterbodies.
Administrator Wheeler Tours Arkansas Agriculture: One such farmer successfully integrating the use of CWA
319 and USDA funds to control polluted runoff is Terry Dabbs, owner of L.T.D. Farms of Stuttgart, Arkansas. As
a member of the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Mr. Dabbs attended the Region 6 Agriculture Smart Sectors events and
invited RA McQueen to visit his farm. Arrangements were made and not only did RA McQueen make the visit
but joining him was EPA Administrator Wheeler. A roundtable was hosted at the farm that included Arkansas
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment Secretary Becky Keogh,
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, and Arkansas Farm Bureau President Rich Hillman. Arkansas Senate
Public Health, Welfare, Arkansas House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Committee Chair Dan
Douglas, and staff from Arkansas Senator John Boozman, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, and Congressman
Bruce Westerman were also in attendance. During the roundtable, they discussed issues of importance including
the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which is providing regulatory certainty for farmers across the country, the
recent registration announcement of Dicamba, and the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory
Committee.
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REGION 7: KANSAS, IOWA, MISSOURI & NEBRASKA
"Collectively in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska—Agriculture is the largest industry and the
most dominant land use, with more than 290,000 producers. Add to that the farm equipment, fuel,
and seed, the Ag-chemical support, the harvest, storage and transportation infrastructure, and it is
clear to see just how important agriculture is here in the Heartland, While 2020 was a challenging
year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, EPA Region 7 adapted, innovated, and executed on our
mission. And we did this work in partnership with the agriculture community. I'm glad to report that
our partnerships are expanding quickly with a wide range of stakeholders on issues including: (1)
commonsense nutrient management solutions aimed at improving water quality, including harmful
algal blooms; (2) creating certainty and clarity for the regulated community; and, (3) advancing our
abilities at managing the smoke from prescribed burns in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Strengthening
our partnerships with those in and around the agriculture sector is a priority, and the regional office
is making important progress. Stakeholder events, such as the Great Plains and Midwest Harmful
Algal Blooms conference, and the Smart Sectors renewable fuels roundtabie provide opportunities
for collaboration toward achieving mutual goals."
- EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford
Commonsense Nutrient Management Solutions Aimed at Improving Water Quality—Harmful Algal Blooms:
In 2020, we once again prioritized work on commonsense nutrient management solutions aimed at improving
water quality. Region 7 partnered with the Office of Research and Development, Region 5, Region 8 and the Office
of Water to host the multi-regional
Great Plains and Midwest Harmful
Algal Bloom Conference on February
4- 6, 2020 at the University of Kansas
Edwards Campus in Overland Park,
Kansas. The workshop brought
together over 170 participants from 17
states, 2 tribes, agricultural partners
from the Great Plains and Midwest, as
well as experts on HABs prevention,
mitigation and control, such as the
University of Kansas Designated
Research Center Kansas Biological
Survey. Region 7 is finalizing a
proceedings document summarizing
the successes, challenges, and short
and long-term opportunities identified
by workshop participants.
Our work with partners is focused on better predicting and preventing the occurrence of HABs; providing
information to the public and agricultural stakeholders on how to identify and report them; and responding rapidly
to state and tribal requests for technical assistance. So far, our partnerships have resulted in:
•	The planting of ~145,000 acres of cover crops
•	The removal of water quality impairments from 89 waterbodies
•	Addressing nonpoint source pollution, primarily in agriculture, leading to the decrease of more than 418,000
pounds of Nitrogen & 244,000 pounds of Phosphorus a year and, 205,000 tons of sediment - enough to fill
more than 17,000 dump trucks!
•	We are also supporting nutrient reduction strategies and practices through market-based approaches such
as Water Quality Trading.
As our understanding of the close relationship between agricultural practices and benefits from restored systems
improve, interest has grown in a variety of land management practices used to enhance ecosystem services at
Some of the attendees at February 4-6,2020, Great Plains and Midwest Harmful Algal Bloom Conference at
the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas. Region 7
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the watershed scale. The state of iowa, EPA Region 7, and EPA's Office of Research and Development are now
working together to study the benefits and tradeoffs of these practices.
Greater Certainty and Clarity for Regulated Community: Providing greater certainty and clarity to the
Agriculture community has been a critical part of our focus during the past few years. In total, there are 1,588
agricultural facilities in Region 7 that must adhere to the requirements of the RMR They make up 73% of Region
7's RMP facilities, while only 31 % of RMP
facilities are agricultural nationally. Region 7
has been providing training for these agricultural
anhydrous ammonia retail facilities on how to
correctly implement the Risk Management Plan
Rule for Chemical Accident Prevention under
112(r) of the Clean Air Act. We've hosted on-site
workshops and mock inspections to teach them
how to stay in compliance. Due to the pandemic,
we moved these efforts to virtual platforms by
hosting and recording webinars, conferences, and
workshops; and by developing asynchronous web
training modules.
Smart Sectors: The region also hosted a Smart Sectors event focused on renewable fuels to discuss EPA
connections to a wide range of current and emerging issues. Improving how the agency works with the agriculture
sector is an important priority for EPA's two Midwestern regional offices, Regions 5 and 7. EPA Smart Sectors
is a partnership program that provides a platform to collaborate with regulated sectors and develop sensible
approaches that better protect the environment and public health and a sharing of knowledge. The December
Smart Sectors' renewable fuels roundtable event provided a unique forum to bring together leadership from EPA
Region 5 and 7 to hear individual real-world input from renewable fuels representatives from across the Midwest to
better understand three specific renewable fuels issues:
1.	Conditions necessary to expand biofuels distribution infrastructure (i.e., blender pump requirements or
underground storage tank use)
2.	Impacts of State Implementation Plans on E15 production and use (i.e., state SIPs connections to ethanol
distribution); and,
3.	Compliance assistance needed to help facility operators meet state and federal requirements.
Smoke Management for the Flint Hills Prescribed Burns: And finally, we have continued to grow our
partnerships with stakeholders on Smoke Management efforts for the prescribed burns that occur in the Fiint Hilis.
Our goal is to minimize smoke impacts to downwind communities while preserving this endangered fire-dependent
ecosystem and ensuring viable rangeland.
The tallgrass prairie ecosystem is a natural wonder, but invasive plant species like red cedar can quickly overwhelm
the natural grasses. The prairie is a great source of pride, rich in cattle ranching tradition, and survives thanks to
traditional land management practices that mimic pre-settlement conditions. These prescribed burns are vital for
the ecosystem's health, and the viability of cattle ranching.
Yet, the challenge of managing prescribed burns in a way
that minimizes downwind air quality impacts remains. Our
partners include the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment, cattlemen, K-State & Extension, and other
federal, state and local agencies.
The 2010 Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan and our work
together since then demonstrate that prescribed fires can be
managed in a way to reduce air quality impacts and avoid
potential regulatory implications. This helps us to achieve our
goal of protecting public health and preserving the tall grass
ecosystem - while also supporting the agriculture economy.
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Region 7 Administrator Jim Guiliford meet with U.S.
Representatives Vicky Hartzler (M0-04) and Jason Smith (M0-08), and farmers from ttie
Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Corn Growers Association in Niangua, Missouri.
A crew member monitors a Flint Hills Kansas prescribed burn.
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REGION 8: MOUNTAINS & PLAINS
"Our partnership with the Future Farmers of America led to some great opportunities to work with
the next generation of farmers and ranchers in Region 8."
- EPA Region 8 Acting Administrator Debra H. Thomas
Engaging with Future Farmers of
America: In January 2020, FFA students
from around Colorado learned about
natural resource careers with the federal
government from EPA, USDA Natural
Resource Conservation Service, and the
Bureau of Reclamation. EPA presented
a mock emergency clean-up exercise
where students saw firsthand the various
job types involved in a clean-up including;
risk communications, response and
investigation. In February 2020, Region
8 staff served as judges in Wyoming
FFA Agri-science Fair. EPA staff judged
projects in the following categories:
Environmental Service/Natural Resource
Systems, Food Products and Processing
Systems, Plant Systems, and Social
Science.
Communication with State Lead
Agencies: Region 8 hosted monthly calls with the state agriculture directors. At those calls, many issues were
discussed related to COVID-19 and other environmental issues. For example, supply chain disruption resulted
in milk dumping at dairies (related to COVID-19 school closures) and carcass disposal concerns from COVID-19
outbreaks and temporary closure of meat processing plants. Other items discussed during the calls included
continuity of operations and how to conduct emergency response and other required field work in a safe manner.
The Region 8 Regional Administrator also attended the Region 7 & 8 State Department of Agriculture meeting.
Agricultural tours were conducted in Montana and North Dakota in 2020.
Collaboration Across The Food System: In December 2020, Region 8 discussed food waste reduction
strategies and EPA collaboration with agriculture at Iconic Times for Colorado Agriculture: 2020 Learnings and
2021 Futureproofing virtual event. Speakers included: Colorado Governor Jared Poiis, Colorado Commissioner of
Agriculture Kate Greenberg, and Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
Region 8 EPA Staff talk with local FFA students in Montana in summer of 2020.
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REGION 9: PACIFIC SOUTHWEST
"During 2020 agriculture was a key priority for EPA in the Pacific Southwest. We made important
progress in areas ranging from pesticide safety outreach and farm equipment emissions reductions
to engagement with growers on composting and healthy soils."
- R9 Regional Administrator John Busterud
Partnerships and Outreach:
Region 9 senior managers have
reached out to and met with the
Arizona Farm Bureau, Hawaii
Farm Bureau, and has convened
an EPA Smart Sectors workgroup
meeting in California's Central
Valley. Regular engagement with
USDA NRCS and State agricultural
and pesticide regulatory agencies
continues through the R9 Ag
Advisor and staff.
On-farm Composting/Healthy
Soils: EPA Region 9 co-created
the On-Farm Compost Work Group
with California Department Of	us EPA Regjon g Agrjcu|ture Advisor, Amy Miller and senior leaders from USDA-NRCS CA and California
Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Cal Department of Food and Agriculture meet with growers at the Central Coast Healthy Soils Dialogue in February
EPA and USDA Natural Resources 2020
Conservation Service (NRCS).
The group is an interagency
collaboration between 15 federal, state, and regional agencies. Participants are committed to develop a regulatory
pathway to address permitting challenges and create incentives to support on-farm composting of agricultural
materials to decrease nutrient loading, reduce agricultural burning, and improve soil health. This model follows the
highly successful 2012 "Federal State Dairy Digester Working Group", whose efforts reduced barriers to permitting
dairy digesters. To support composting and California's Healthy Soils work, we hosted in February 2020 a dialogue
between California Central Coast growers and senior leaders from EPA Region 9, CDFA and USDA-NRCS.
"Spray Safe" Pesticide Education: California's San Joaquin Valley, home to an intensively productive agricultural
economy, has experienced several pesticide drifts events in recent years, with exposed agricultural workers
needing follow-up hospitalization. In FY2020 EPA Region 9 partnered with the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation and California's 58 agricultural commissioners to fund and deliver several well-attended pesticide
educations and outreach trainings in the San Joaquin Valley and the development of a web-based version of the
training.
Cleaner Air: In FY2020, EPA Region 9 awarded San Joaquin Valley's agricultural sector $37.2 million in Diesel
Emission Reduction Act and Targeted Airshed Grants to replace thousands of polluting agricultural equipment
(such as tractors and harvesters) with the cleaner, lower-emitting alternatives. These funds leveraged an additional
$80 million from public and private partners, in one of the nation's most compromised air basins and helped the
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) implement their first low-dust harvester program. The
program enables farmers to upgrade high-emitting harvesters with options that can reduce particulate matter
emissions by at least 40%. Additionally, EPA supported San Joaquin Valley's Technology Advancement Program
in FY2020 and awarded $500,000 to SJVAPCD to support demonstration of utilizing chipped agricultural organic
waste for soil incorporation.
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2020
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REGION lO: PACIFIC NORTHWEST
"Pacific Northwest agricultural producers are at the forefront of caring for our land, air, and
water resources. We continue to believe that collaboration with our state and federal partners,
conservation districts, and agricultural producers is the best path forward to promoting
environmental stewardship, a sustainable agriculture industry, and protecting
valuable natural resources."
- Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladlick
CREAMERY
Supporting Partnerships, Collaboration, and Innovation in Puget Sound Agricultural Lands: EPA's Puget
Sound National Estuary Program has been instrumental in supporting the critical, on-the-ground that Puget
Sound conservation districts do with agricultural landowners throughout the enormous watershed. With the
support of EPA funds, the districts have
worked with landowners to develop farm
plans, provide technical assistance, and
implement myriad BMPs such as building
fences to keep animals out of waterways or
creating protected heavy use and manure
storage areas. To improve water quality,
CDs are partnering with state Extension
offices to hold horse-keeping and pasture
management workshops, and to provide
livestock owners with the equipment,
technical assistance, and funding needed to
remove barriers to implementation of BMPs.
EPA Puget Sound funds have enabled
agricultural landowners to voluntarily
protect thousands Of acres Of riparian	Re!jion 10 Administrator Chris Hladick at Twinbrook Dairy in 2018.
habitat.
Region 10 FIFRA Program and Enforcement: In 2020, Region 10 completed more compliance assistance
inspections than any other region, this despite adding a significant focus on response to SARS-CoV-2 to
our program's work. In particular, EPA and state FIFRA enforcement staff have conducted many compliance
assistance inspections focused on unregistered pesticides marketed for disinfectant use against SARS-CoV-2.
Our enforcement response is focused on ensuring the protection of farmworkers and eliminating illegal uses of
registered pesticides, especially as possible disinfectants against SARS-CoV-2.
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Progress for a Stronger Future

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