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Craig Thomson

Former Manager, Biotech Permits & EPA Compliance, DuPont Pioneer

Expert Bio

Craig Thomson is a compliance manager in DuPont Pioneer’s Biotech Affairs and Regulatory department in Johnston. He ensures that Pioneer is in compliance with state and federal pesticide laws in the United States. Prior to joining Pioneer in 2009, Craig worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for five years as the Iowa Pesticide Program Manager. Craig is an agronomist and weed scientist who earned his B.S. degree from Iowa State University and M.S. from the University of Kentucky. In addition to his work experience with EPA, Craig worked for 10 years in the agrichemical industry developing new products.

Craig Thomson is no longer the Manager of Biotech Permits & EPA Compliance at DuPont Pioneer. Answers from Craig Thomson were provided in this former capacity.

Studies, Articles and Answers

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Question

Q: Why are companies that farm with Restricted Use Pesticides opposed to having mandatory buffer zones around schools and hospitals?

Answered By Craig Thomson - Apr 16, 2014

A: I work for a seed company that has operations in Hawaii, and, as someone with responsibilities for stewardship and compliance, I can tell you we comply with the significant regulatory conditions set by both the federal and state governments. Any pesticide must first meet a stringent set of regulatory requirements before it is “registered” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and before it can be distributed or sold in the United States. The agency evaluates the data on each pesticide and assesses any potential adverse effects the product may have on humans and on the environment. On t [...]

Business Practices GMOs & Farmers

Question

Q: Why are GMO companies opposed to disclosing their annual pesticide use if they claim that they are the reason why pesticide use is decreasing?

Answered By Craig Thomson - Apr 16, 2014

A: The State of Hawaii has already implemented a process to make available the type of information that you are asking about. The State of Hawaii passed a law requiring restricted-use pesticide (RUP) sales already reported to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to be posted on the Department of Agriculture website. I understand your concerns about safety but want to assure you that pesticide registration, labeling and use are heavily regulated by the federal and state governments. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates the data on each pesticide and assesses any p [...]

Business Practices GMOs & Farmers