By Scout Nelson
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that existing stocks of Dicamba, a key pesticide for over-the-top applications, can be used through the 2024 planting season.
This decision comes as a relief to the agricultural community, especially after a legal setback earlier this year questioning the future use of certain Dicamba products.
Previously registered Dicamba products, already in the United States and prepared for distribution before a specific cutoff date, are eligible for sale and use according to the EPA's latest guidance.
This ruling affects major Dicamba formulations, including Bayer Xtendimax, BASF Engenia, and Syngenta Tavium, targeting Dicamba-tolerant soybeans among other crops.
The move has been welcomed by industry leaders and agricultural officials, highlighting the importance of Dicamba in managing crop health and yield. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring expressed satisfaction with the EPA's decision, emphasizing the certainty it brings to farmers planning for the next planting cycle.
This policy update follows a court decision that vacated the 2020 registrations of several Dicamba products, casting uncertainty over their use in agriculture. The EPA's order now ensures that farmers can continue using their existing Dicamba supplies, adhering to state-specific end-use dates and regulations.
As the agricultural sector prepares for the coming year, the EPA's decision marks a critical step in supporting crop protection efforts across the United States.
Photo Credit -istock-fotokostic
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Government & Policy