Agricultural Chemicals & Other Pesticides

Agriculture is one of the United States' sustaining economic success stories, and its backbone is the efficacy of agricultural chemicals. This chemistry has resulted in plentiful food, soaring productivity of farm land, and major contributions to a favorable export trade balance.  Similarly other, related chemicals, including antimicrobials and insecticides have significantly reduced disease, contributed to public health, and raised average life expectancies around the world. 

 Industrial biocides, used in oil field production and various manufacturing facilities, have improved the efficiency of industry.  However, many chemicals in this category—formerly referred to as "economic poisons"—present significant legal challenges to manufacturers, by virtue of substantial state and federal regulatory requirements, and product liability challenges. 

Steptoe has served the major participants in this industry for many years in meeting these challenges.

We are authorities in the intricate web of state and federal regulations governing the development, manufacture, and use of pesticides and similar substances, e.g., under the FIFRA and various state statutes such as California’s pesticide regulatory program.  We also have considerable experience in related disciplines, such as contract issues regarding research and research facilities, regulatory requirements governing chemical research, hazardous material transportation issues, and import and export restrictions on pesticides and related chemicals. 

In addition, in our litigious society, product liability litigation associated with the use of pesticides is all too common.  Steptoe has for two decades represented key agricultural chemical manufacturers and suppliers in litigation throughout the United States involving personal injury (cancer, non-cancer and birth defects), as well as concerning alleged impacts on water resources and property damage.

We also represent the industry in more traditional business issues, including intellectual property, antitrust regulation, and export and trade.