Why it Matters

Atticus LLC’s entry into federal lobbying marks a significant shift for the agricultural chemical company. This move comes as Congress actively debates policies that could fundamentally reshape the pesticide industry.

By the Numbers

Atticus has registered as a self-lobbying entity with no external firm. The company has designated a single lobbyist: Scott Kuschmider. Notably, Kuschmider has no prior registered lobbying or congressional experience.

Broader Context

The EPA faces massive backlogs hampering the agricultural chemical industry. During a Budget Hearing for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator acknowledged “over 504 new chemical reviews and 12,000 pesticide reviews” past expected timelines. A House Agriculture Committee hearing highlighted the Economic Crisis in Farm Country, showing the worst financial outlook for farmers in four decades.

The Agenda

Atticus is focusing on three core areas: chemicals/chemical industry, trade, and agriculture. The company manufactures branded-generic crop protection chemicals including fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. Their lobbying effort targets regulatory processes governing pesticide registration and market access.

Competitive Landscape

Atticus enters a crowded field of established players. Bayer Corp. spent $180,000 lobbying on “pesticide policy, pesticide registration…and Farm Bill Reauthorization”. FMC Corp. consistently spends $90,000 per quarter on “pesticide regulation and policy including PRIA implementation”. Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC spent $200,000 on issues including “pesticide regulation, Farm bill reauthorization, [and] PFAS and pesticides”.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively working on pesticide reform legislation. The S.1999 – USDA CROP Act of 2025 seeks EPA-USDA coordination improvements. The H.R.3824 – Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2025 aims to streamline pesticide application permitting.

However, threats are emerging. Senator Cory Booker introduced legislation to allow lawsuits against pesticide makers over ‘toxic products’. The H.R.5196 – Protect Our Farmers and Families Act of 2025 would immediately cancel all diquat pesticide registrations.

Members are voicing frustrations. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) has criticized regulatory delays affecting farmers. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) highlighted “persistent challenges in EPA’s implementation” of chemical safety laws.

Bipartisan opportunities exist too. The Plant Biostimulant Act of 2025 has support from Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN), plus Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS). The bipartisan Securing American Agriculture Act would assess U.S. dependency on China for agricultural inputs.

The Bottom Line

Atticus is making a defensive move as regulatory and liability threats mount. The company’s inexperienced lobbying team faces established competitors in a complex policy environment. Success will depend on quickly building relationships and effectively navigating both opportunities and existential threats to the pesticide industry.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!