Trade tensions, regulatory gridlock, and labour shortages are stacking up as key concerns for American ag retailers heading into next season.
Richard Gupton, senior vice president of public policy and counsel at the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), says this “triple threat” facing crop input suppliers is creating pricing issues and supply disruptions.
Gupton says ag retailers are “very concerned about all the uncertainty related to tariff issues,” noting the U.S. relies heavily on potash from Canada and active ingredients from China. As the trade environment remains unsettled, retailers are managing short-term supply, but worries are growing for fall and 2026. “If they don’t resolve these trade disputes, it could be problematic on the pricing,” he says.
Regulatory bottlenecks at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) add further complexity. Gupton describes pesticide registration delays due to staffing shortages, increased product volumes, and litigation under the Endangered Species Act as a major concern.
The potential loss of cornerstone products such as glyphosate also raises alarms, given their role in sustainable practices. “If you take that kind of a major product out of the marketplace, what’s there to replace it?” Gupton asks. Even with generics available, the supply chain would be strained, he cautions.
Finally, workforce challenges are straining operations on the ground. Gupton says members are struggling to find qualified drivers and applicators. ARA is pushing for reforms to the H-2A program and seeking pathways for younger workers to enter the sector directly from high school.
Watch the full interview above for Gupton’s perspective on what needs to change to keep the U.S. ag retail sector stable and responsive in an increasingly volatile landscape.
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