A federal court in California may have just offered one of the least known but most significant glimmers of hope for America’s agriculture system and Oregon farmers.

There has been increasing concern among agriculture producers in Oregon over attempts by states like California to require labels on pesticides that directly contradict scientific conclusions from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If actions like these aren’t addressed, agriculture producers could lose access to the necessary tools used to grow crops and supply food for American and global consumers. Without pesticides, crop yields plummet, threatening our domestic food security, shared sustainability goals, and ultimately, raising food prices.

Thankfully, last month, after nearly six years, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit concluded that California cannot require unscientific warning labels on the country’s most commonly used pesticide. My organization, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), led this critical case that acknowledges the fundamental role of EPA scientists to consistently evaluate and determine the safety of the products America’s farmers use to produce our food.

While we are pleased with the Court’s ruling on this issue, further congressional clarity is needed to protect the EPA’s science-based labeling authority from contradictory state laws and avoid similar circumstances from happening again. That is why NAWG and dozens of agricultural associations throughout the Pacific Northwest are part of a coalition of 360+ agricultural groups supporting the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act (H.R. 4288). This bipartisan bill reaffirms existing law and recognizes the EPA as the preeminent authority on pesticide labeling and packaging requirements, while still allowing states and localities to regulate the sale and use of these products wherever they’d like. H.R. 4288 would thereby assure American farmers that critical crop protection tools like pesticides, which support modern agriculture and our supply chain, will remain safe and available.

As the operator of a family farm here in Oregon, I understand how important pesticides are to modern agriculture — and the production of wheat. Safe, EPA-approved pesticides allow farmers to grow their crops and keep yields high, bolstering domestic food production and ensuring we have enough to eat. Each year, 40% of crops are lost to pests and diseases, and without pesticides, losses could jump to 85%, leading to higher food prices.

As vital tools for farmers, pesticides play a necessary role in our agriculture system, and by extension, Oregon’s economy. Our state is home to over 37,000 farms, helping support over 680,000 jobs and 13% of our economy. I’m proud of Oregon’s role as a top-10 wheat-producing state; however, I’m fearful that impact could dissipate and our farmers, average family farmers, would be hurt if Congress doesn’t pass H.R. 4288.

Further, pesticides allow farmers to grow their crops sustainably, enabling agriculture practices that use less land and resources and helping farmers contribute to our shared climate goals. Without pesticides, farmers would need up to twice as much land to grow the same amount of food due to reduced yields.

The Ninth Circuit decision underscores the importance of foundational, science-based decisions on pesticides and the important role the federal government plays in ensuring the safety of crop protection tools. Legislative clarity is needed to ensure states cannot contradict the EPA and jeopardize farmers’ long-term access and ability to use these tools, and our food supply and agricultural economy in the process. I urge our congressional delegation to reaffirm the authority of the EPA and stand with America’s farmers in support of The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act.