Ep 033: Regulations and Policy with NCGA Expert, Colleen Willard

The quote of this episode is, "There is a real threat here of losing access to chemistries if the government does not get it together." Colleen Willard, the Director, Public Policy, Production and Sustainability at the National Corn Growers Association, joins us to talk about pesticides, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Endangered Species Act, and legislation surrounding the science. Basically, the EPA has authority over pesticide labeling and licenses. And if the EPA can't keep up with demand while remaining in compliance with the Endangered Species act, states are stepping in with their own rules. That's a problem. Luke Crumley is the Director of Public Policy & Sustainability, and Jessy Woodworth is the Manager of Communications at Ohio Corn & Wheat. Kernels is a production of Ohio Corn & Wheat and hosts conversations about the corn and wheat industry in Ohio, their respective checkoff programs, and the work the Grower's Association is doing in on behalf of Ohio grain farmers.   About Ohio Corn & Wheat Ohio Corn & Wheat works to create opportunities for long-term Ohio corn and small grain grower profitability. It is a strategic alliance of two checkoffs and one membership-based organization. The Ohio Corn Checkoff and Ohio Small Grains Checkoff work to develop and expand markets, fund research and provide education about corn and wheat, respectively. The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association is a membership organization advocating for supportive public policy on behalf of its farmer members.  For more information, visit ohiocornandwheat.org.