(Photo Credit: Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association)
EPA Guidance Brings Clarity to Timely Use of Important Weed Management Tool
June 9, 2020
Statement Courtesy of Iowa Soybean Association President Tim Bardole of Rippey, Iowa
“The Environment Protection Agency has provided some clarity on the use of dicamba products following the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s June 3 ruling vacating current U.S. registrations of this important weed management tool.
“In a cancellation order released June 8, farmers and commercial applicators may use product that was in their possession on June 3, the effective date of the Court’s decision. Use must be consistent with the product’s previously approved label. Product use must be discontinued after July 31.
“This guidance is a positive start that comes at an important time for soybean farmers. Farmers must have access to effective weed management products. They must also have certainty that these products will be available when needed.
“However, it does not bring closure to the issue. Questions remain as to the impact on retailers and the farmers they serve. We are seeking clarification on how they will be affected if product was purchased by June 3 but has not yet been acquired. Limiting availability to those who were expecting acquisition will place some retailers and farmers at a disadvantage, forcing them into less effective and more expensive weed management alternatives.
“The Iowa Soybean Association continues to monitor and share developments related to this important issue. We encourage soybean farmers to access this information and timely crop production and weed management research funded by the soybean checkoff by clicking on ISA Research at www.iasoybeans.com.”
The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.
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