The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the receipt of a new application from Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, to expand the use of a pesticide product containing the active ingredients dicamba and S-metolachlor. The proposed new uses include applications on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans.
Proposed Use and Benefits
The application, identified by docket ID number EPA–HQ–OPP–2024–0154, proposes the use of a herbicide product on crops specifically engineered to tolerate dicamba. The proposed application methods and rates are designed to maximise the effectiveness of the herbicide while minimising potential environmental impacts. This herbicide combination aims to provide farmers with a robust solution to combat weed resistance and enhance crop yields.
Dicamba is widely used in agriculture for controlling broadleaf weeds, while S-metolachlor is known for its pre-emergent herbicidal properties, which prevent weed seed germination. Together, these chemicals offer a comprehensive defence against various weed species that can adversely affect crop production.
Public Consultation and Review Process
The EPA has opened a public consultation period, encouraging stakeholders and the general public to provide feedback on the proposed registration. This process is part of the EPA's commitment to transparency and thorough evaluation, ensuring all relevant perspectives are considered before making a regulatory decision.
The EPA's Registration Division, led by Director Charles Smith, will conduct a detailed review of the application. This review will assess potential risks to human health, non-target organisms, and the broader ecosystem. The statutory review period for this application is 17 months, during which the agency will evaluate all submitted public and stakeholder comments.
Additionally, the EPA has received applications from other companies, including Bayer CropScience LP and BASF Corporation, proposing similar new uses for dicamba on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans. These applications are also under review, with the EPA expecting significant stakeholder interest given the widespread implications for agricultural practices.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
The EPA's decision-making process will also consider environmental and economic impacts. For instance, the potential drift of dicamba to non-target plants and the herbicide's effectiveness against resistant weed species are key factors. The economic benefits of increased crop yields and reduced weed control costs are weighed against the potential environmental risks, including damage to surrounding ecosystems.
Call for Public Comments
The EPA is particularly interested in hearing from agricultural producers, environmental groups, health professionals, and other interested parties. Public input is vital in balancing the benefits of the new herbicide use with potential risks. Comments can be submitted until 22 August 2024 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The EPA has provided specific guidelines for submitting comments, particularly regarding Confidential Business Information (CBI), which should not be submitted electronically.
