Supreme Court decision regarding FIFRA and pesticide labeling brings clarity

Supreme Court decision regarding FIFRA and pesticide labeling brings clarity

Published On: June 26, 20261.3 min read

The American Soybean Association is applauding the landmark decision on June 25, 2026 from the U.S. Supreme Court in Durnell v. Monsanto, a case addressing whether state failure-to-warn claims can override federal pesticide labeling decisions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The Court ruled that FIFRA and federal labeling requirements preempt state failure-to-warn claims.

Farmers depend on clear, consistent labeling and a uniform regulatory framework to use pesticides safely and responsibly. The Supreme Court’s decision provides much-needed clarity on the role of federal, science-based regulation and reaffirms the value of sound science in the regulatory process, ASA sai.

For decades, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with regulatory authorities around the world, has repeatedly concluded that glyphosate does not pose a cancer risk when used as directed. State-level requirements have led to a burdensome regulatory patchwork that conflicts with EPA-approved labels and creates confusion, undermining confidence in the regulatory process and limiting access to essential crop protection tools.

Earlier this year, ASA joined 11 other agricultural organizations in an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court, to defend farmer access to critical crop protection tools against continued threats of regulatory overreach and activist litigation. MSGA is a state affiliate of ASA and has six directors serving on ASA’s board.

“We appreciate that Minnesota soybean farmers have the certainty they have long sough,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “It’s clear now that label is the law, and we’re pleased that our farmers will continue to have the tools they need to produce high-quality crops.”

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