Modern Ag Alliance Applauds Governor Armstrong for Signing HB 1318 Into Law, Marking a Major Victory for North Dakota Farmers

A New Law in North Dakota Sets the Standard For States Across America To Follow Suit

ST. LOUIS, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Armstrong signed HB 1318 into law—marking a major victory for North Dakota farmers and the future of American agriculture. With strong support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, this landmark policy reflects a united commitment from lawmakers to safeguard farmers' access to essential crop protection tools.

"Enacting HB 1318 into law is a resounding win for farmers and all North Dakotans. Governor Armstrong and the legislature have set a strong, bipartisan example for the country by preserving farmers' access to essential crop protection tools that help keep farms competitive and grocery bills down," said Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Executive Director of the Modern Ag Alliance. "Thanks to this legislation, North Dakota farmers will have the certainty they need to keep doing what they do best—growing the food we all depend on. This law sets the standard for states across America to pass legislation similar to HB 1318 and, ultimately, stand up for our farmers."

HB 1318 reasserts that federally approved pesticide labels are the law and that companies cannot be subject to relentless litigation for following the law. Specifically, it ensures that any pesticide registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—and sold under a label consistent with the EPA's own determinations—is sufficient to satisfy state label warning requirements for health and safety.

North Dakota lawmakers stood with the vast majority of their constituents who support continued access to crop protection tools. The Modern Ag Alliance's recent Ag Insights Survey found that 81% of all North Dakotans—including 83% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats—oppose litigation that could limit access to crop protection products.

Throughout the legislative process, a wide range of leading agricultural organizations backed HB 1318, including:

• North Dakota Corn Growers Association
• North Dakota Department of Agriculture
• North Dakota Farm Bureau
• North Dakota Farmers Union
• North Dakota Grain Growers Association
• North Dakota Soybean Growers Association
• Northern Canola Growers Association
• Northern Pulse Growers Association

Top agricultural groups from across the state applauded the passage of HB 1318. This legislation reflects the voice of North Dakota's agricultural community—and the widespread support from Modern Ag Alliance partners and farm leaders across the state has been resounding. Here's what they're saying:

Andrew Mauch, President, North Dakota Corn Growers Association
"HB 1318—now officially signed into law—is a significant victory for North Dakota corn growers. The new law safeguards our continued access to proven crop protection products that help us manage stubborn weeds with low input costs, helping food and fuel costs from rising even further. We appreciate the legislature and Governor Armstrong for standing up for our farmers."

Justin Sherlock, President, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association
"On behalf of soybean producers across the state, we are grateful for the strong leadership that got HB 1318 across the finish line. This monumental step forward helps ensure our farmers have the certainty they need to make long-term planning decisions and stay productive in the field."

Matt McCabe, President, Northern Pulse Growers Association
"North Dakota's pulse growers deeply appreciate our lawmakers for standing with farmers and defending our access to the vital crop protection tools that ensure an abundant and affordable food supply. Effective weed control is one of agriculture's toughest challenges, and these tools are absolutely essential to our success."

Tim Mickelson, President, Northern Canola Growers Association
"Canola growers rely on consistent access to safe crop protection technologies to keep costs low, yields high, and implement conservation practices like no-till farming. Governor Armstrong's signature on HB 1318 sends a clear message that our leaders understand what's at stake for our farms and are committed to protecting our ability to effectively feed America."

Ryan Ellis, President, North Dakota Grain Growers Association
"North Dakota's wheat and barley producers rely on safe, approved pesticides to control invasive weeds and maintain high yields, ensuring our state continues to be the nation's leading wheat producer. HB 1318 is a major win for North Dakota agriculture, providing critical assurance that these science-based tools will remain available to support our farmers."

About The Modern Ag Alliance
The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 100 agricultural organizations advocating for U.S. farmers' access to the crop protection tools they need to ensure we have a robust and affordable domestic food supply. To learn more, visit modernagalliance.org.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Modern Ag Alliance