This week, I sat down with my colleague Sheryl Dolan, a senior regulatory consultant here at Bergeson & Campbell, to discuss all things pesticides: past, present, and future.

In our discussion, Sheryl provides the historical and legal/regulatory background necessary to understand the current state of pesticide regulation, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manages under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA, as we like to call it.

Among other interesting topics, Sheryl sheds light on the legal and regulatory differences between conventional and non-conventional pesticides, highlights exciting technological developments in biopesticides, and explains the nuances of the regulatory hurdles facing businesses seeking registration of new products.

Leaning on our experience bringing many of these newer products to market, we discuss some of the pitfalls and stumbling blocks that many companies face when first approaching FIFRA and EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs. Sheryl offers a peak behind the curtain as to how our firm advises clients to prepare for this challenging but also rewarding process.

I was excited to speak with Sheryl about this topic because Sheryl has deep experience in registering new innovations and knowing how to work with EPA scientists and regulators in defining new technologies in a way that even an aging regulatory infrastructure can accommodate. Sheryl is also excellent at shepherding businesses new to this commercial space through this complex regulatory gauntlet. Sheryl is an extremely accomplished expert and a joy to work with here at B&C.

Whether you are an innovator of a new chemical product looking for tips, or a grizzled regulatory veteran looking to bone up on the historical evolution of pesticide regulation law, you are sure to get something out of this conversation. So, without further delay, here is my conversation with Sheryl Dolan about pesticides and navigating new technologies under FIFRA.