In response to requests, the EPA announced April 28 in an EPA Update that it is extending for an additional 30 days the public comment period on the proposed regulatory decision to register 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. Comments may be submitted to the EPA docket# EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0187 at www.regulations.gov.

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 to EPA of any suspected resistance, grower education, and remediation. EPA is proposing to limit the registration to five 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.

Resource

EPA Q&A's on dicamba's use on genetically engineered crops and the proposed EPA registration decision.