ARA and others comment on US court's dicamba decision

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Croplife America recently issued the statement on the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to vacate Dicamba registrations. And Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock sent a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler regarding the decision last week.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue:

“Producers need all the tools in their toolbox to produce the world's food, fuel, and fiber, and USDA re-affirms its support for EPA's science-based process for assessing and managing ecological risks, balanced against the agricultural and societal benefits of crop protection tools. USDA stands ready to assist its federal partners in meeting that goal.

“Farmers across America have spent hard earned money on previously allowed crop protection tools. I encourage the EPA to use any available flexibilities to allow the continued use of already purchased dicamba products, which are a critical tool for American farmers to combat weeds resistant to many other herbicides, in fields that are already planted.

“Unfortunately, the Ninth Circuit has chosen to eliminate one of those tools.”

Croplife America:

"We are disappointed with the ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that vacates current U.S. registrations of certain low-volatility dicamba products. We continue to support the science-based decisions made by career scientists at the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who have worked over decades under multiple administrations to ensure that pesticides are safe for the public and environment when used according to the label.

This decision comes in the middle of planting season in the U.S. and could have devastating consequences for farmers, who have already made plans to protect their crops. We hope that EPA's next steps will reflect the needs of American farmers for regulatory certainty and science-based decision-making."

Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock:

"The immediate nature of the decision and mandate has already created chaos in our industry. Growers are now without options at the worst possible time in their production year."

"U.S. farmers are in the heart of their growing season, and planting decisions and subsequent herbicide application plans have been made. Ag retailers and growers will be scrambling to secure alternatives, which may not be readily available in time.

"This decision by the Ninth Circuit is an overreach and must be corrected immediately," said Coppock. "This will have a major impact on this year's crops if not handled very soon. The farm economy has already experienced major struggles this year and this is one that can easily be avoided.