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 earlier today, 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.”
— Tim Bardole, president of Iowa Soybean Association
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