U.S. EPA extends comment period on proposal to register Monsanto’s dicamba for use on GE crops

In response to requests, the U.S. EPA is extending for an additional 30 days the public comment period on the proposed regulatory decision to register Monsanto’s dicamba to control weeds in cotton and soybean genetically engineered (GE) to tolerate dicamba. Public comments on the Agency’s proposed regulatory decision must be submitted no later than May 31, 2016.

Weeds that are becoming increasingly resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides are posing a problem for farmers. If finalized, EPA’s action will provide an additional tool to reduce the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds. To ensure that dicamba successfully manages weed resistance problems, the proposed decision outlines a Herbicide Resistance Management Plan that includes robust monitoring and reporting any suspected resistance to EPA, grower education, and remediation. EPA is proposing to limit the registration to 5 years, which would further provide protections if resistance to dicamba develops.

After the comment period closes, EPA will review all of the comments and reach a final decision, which the Agency expects to issue in late summer or early fall 2016.