Congress urges EPA to protect supply chains through continued dicamba access

Lawmakers are urging EPA to reconsider imposing additional restrictions on dicamba and other important crop protection tools, stating that growers losing meaningful use of dicamba, especially given the short duration before spring planting, would intensify significant herbicide supply chain challenges.

In a letter led by House Ag Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim Baird (R-IN) and co-signed by more than 60 members of the House, representatives urge EPA to work with growers, state regulators, and registrants to ensure dicamba can remain available to growers for 2022 and into the future. In addition, the letter raises concerns with a report on dicamba that EPA released in December.

“Congress expects EPA to base regulatory decisions on sound science and evidence. We are concerned that this report does not meet these evidentiary standards, particularly when considering significant restrictions on a vital tool growers need to maintain productive, sustainable agricultural practices,” lawmakers state in the letter.

Dicamba is an important choice for growers to have available to help manage damaging weeds. ASA provided feedback to the Congressman on letter text and is supportive of the letter.