EPA Acts to Address DEF System Issues Ahead of Planting Season

ARA Applauds Timely Move to Support Farmers and Ag Retailers

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:10pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished metal diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank and sensor, arranged elegantly on a clean, white background with dramatic lighting and shadows, conceptually representing the technical challenges facing the agriculture industry.A symbolic representation of the technical challenges facing the agriculture industry, as the EPA takes action to address DEF system issues ahead of the critical spring planting season.Arlington Today

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action to address issues with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems, which have caused costly equipment downtime and operational disruptions across the agriculture industry. The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed this move, calling it a timely step to support farmers and agricultural retailers as spring planting gets underway.

Why it matters

DEF system malfunctions have been a significant problem for farmers and agricultural retailers, leading to equipment downtime and operational disruptions during critical planting seasons. The EPA's action to remove the problematic sensor requirement will help keep equipment running and reduce unnecessary delays in the field, which is especially important given the high fuel costs and tight margins that the industry is currently facing.

The details

The EPA's action will remove the requirement for the problematic DEF sensor, which has been causing the system failures. This commonsense relief will help farmers and agricultural retailers stay productive and profitable at a critical time of year as they prepare for and begin spring planting.

  • The EPA's announcement comes as farmers are preparing for and beginning spring planting.

The players

Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA)

A trade association representing agricultural retailers, distributors, and manufacturers in the United States.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment.

Daren Coppock

President and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association.

President Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

EPA Administrator Zeldin

The current Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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What they’re saying

“America's agricultural retailers and growers continue to face high fuel costs and tight margins. This commonsense relief will help them stay productive and profitable at a critical time of year.”

— Daren Coppock, President & CEO, Agricultural Retailers Association

“We thank President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for their leadership and for listening to the needs of rural America. This action will make a real difference for farmers and the retailers who support them.”

— Daren Coppock, President & CEO, Agricultural Retailers Association

What’s next

The EPA's new rule on Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) is another win for American agriculture, according to the ARA.

The takeaway

The EPA's timely action to address DEF system issues will provide much-needed relief for farmers and agricultural retailers as they navigate high fuel costs and tight margins during the critical spring planting season. This move demonstrates the administration's commitment to supporting rural America and the agriculture industry.