By Scout Nelson
In a decisive move that's been praised by Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has sided with several Midwest agricultural groups and North Dakota officials in overturning the EPA’s cancellation of chlorpyrifos for food-related purposes.
Chlorpyrifos, an insecticide crucial for soybeans, grains, sugarbeets, and various other crops, was under a blanket ban by the EPA, which has now been challenged successfully in court.
The Circuit Court highlighted the EPA’s lack of comprehensive consideration for chlorpyrifos, pointing out that it didn't fully evaluate the substance's significant benefits for agriculture, which had been deemed safe in previous assessments. The ruling mandates the EPA to provide a detailed rationale for any future decisions on the use of chlorpyrifos.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is poised to remain engaged in discussions regarding chlorpyrifos regulations to safeguard the state's agricultural interests. This decision marks a significant moment for farmers in the Midwest who depend on this insecticide for effective pest management in their crops.
Photo Credit - north-dakota-state-seal
Categories: North Dakota, Business