Should you be thinking of compliance as a critical business tool?
Regulatory compliance is crucial in the agriculture industry. It helps reinforce the safety of crops, protects the environment and maintains the integrity of the food supply chain. Across the industry, the financial consequences of non-compliance are growing at a rate of 57% annually.¹ In 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) enforcement and compliance work required violators to pay over $704 million in penalties, fines and restitution.¹
It is crucial for agriculture retailers and providers of agronomic advice to find innovative solutions to address both the risks to the food supply and sustained success of operations. Agronomy compliance tools can help avoid penalties, fines and legal issues, while providing peace of mind for customers, building relationships and helping to maintain public trust.
Mitigating risk with an agronomy compliance tool
As compliance requirements continue to expand through all operation phases, many businesses are turning to digital compliance tools to help them efficiently navigate requirements. By leveraging comprehensive technology and a trusted label database, agronomists and agriculture retailers can streamline compliance tasks, reduce errors, easily manage clients and proactively identify potential risks. Here are some key ways in which an agronomy compliance tool can help build your business:
1. Accurate record keeping
Compliance regulations often require detailed record keeping of activities such as pesticide applications, soil testing and nutrient management. In today’s digital world, 60% of agricultural operations are still using pen, paper and spreadsheets to store and track operation data, while 38% have automated their record keeping process with digital farm management systems.² A mobile agronomy compliance tool offers easy-to-access instructions for farmers, and accurate and up-to-date documentation. This not only helps save time but also provides a reliable audit trail in case of inspections or disputes.
What is the primary way you store and manage your operation’s data related to production and management practices?²
38%
One or more farm management software systems
32%
Spreadsheet, document, or similar format
28%
Notebook or paper records
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2. Real-time monitoring
Agricultural application compliance helps advisors, retailers and their customers manage risks related to product efficacy and safety. By using approved products and following recommended practices, you could reduce crop damage, yield loss and negative impacts on human health. An agronomy compliance tool allows real-time monitoring of field operations, identifying and addressing compliance issues promptly. This can efficiently help improve visibility, prevent potential violations and minimize environmental impact, which can ultimately enhance one's overall business operations.
3. Compliance reporting
An agronomy compliance tool simplifies the process of generating compliance reports required by different levels of governmental regulatory agencies. Automatically compiling data from various field operations, generating comprehensive reports and ensuring compliance with specific regulatory formats, can help minimize customer service time, increase profitability and reduce the chances of errors or omissions in reporting.
Driving operational efficiency through compliance technology
In an industry where compliance is paramount, agronomists and agriculture retailers need effective tools to help mitigate risk, minimize liability and protect their customers and reputation. An agronomy compliance tool offers a comprehensive solution that is able to help you automate your record keeping more efficiently by providing real-time monitoring and simplifying compliance reporting.
By leveraging the power of technology and data-driven insights, agricultural professionals can not only safeguard their operations but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible agricultural ecosystem.
