ASA Asks for Transparent, Science-Based Process on Monarch Listing, Encourages Farmers to Stay the Course on Conservation

In response to its proposed "threatened" listing of the Monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act, the American Soybean Association is calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to hold a transparent process based in science to engage the public and gather feedback. The process can take up to a year and allows numerous points for public input. Meantime, ASA encourages soybean farmers to "keep on keeping on" with their conservation efforts in support of Monarchs and their habitats.

Brandon Wipf, ASA board member and soy grower from South Dakota, is ASA's liaison with Farmers for Monarchs, an agriculture-based group with the purpose of protecting the butterfly through conservation. Wipf said of FWS' decision, "Farmers are proud to be part of the solution when it comes to protecting both the environment and species. We have long adopted voluntary conservation practices that support wildlife and specifically, Monarch butterflies. We welcome this opportunity to share our story and ensure any future listing decision is grounded in sound science and allows farmers the flexibility to continue growing soy productively, sustainably, and using practices that help Monarch populations thrive."

The proposed threatened listing decision was long expected. It begins a year-long process to determine if FWS' proposed decision is warranted and what protections may be needed to safeguard Monarch populations. The process, known as a 4(d) rule, allows flexibility to design a suite of appropriate, effective protections. In addition to the 90-comment period announced by FWS that starts Dec. 12, the process includes public hearings and other opportunities for engagement. Importantly, any decision is required by law to be based on the best available science and commercial data, including data regarding conservation efforts already in use. ASA encourages soybean growers to provide feedback on the proposal and share what steps farmers currently take to be good environmental stewards.

Wipf continued, "Most U.S. farms have used various sustainability methods for years and have continued to add additional conservation efforts along the way. For example, many farmers maintain land plots for wildlife food and habitat, including pollinators. And data shows more growers than ever are using practices that promote soil and water health such as reductions in tillage and cover crops. Farmers need to continue doing what they have been doing: being good, proactive stewards of our natural resources, including maintaining conservation practices that help protect Monarch butterflies."

ASA plans to further review the proposed listing decision in the days ahead, will offer public comment, and will encourage individual farmers to do the same.