Governor Hutchinson directed Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and Plant Board Director Terry Walker to convene a task force to review dicamba technology, investigate current problems with its use and application, and make long term recommendations for the future. Task force members met August 17 and August 24 at the Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean.
The Rockefeller Institute used a process to bring the group to consensus that allowed for thorough examination of dicamba research from university and industry scientists, narratives from task force members, and review of dicamba use challenges in Arkansas. Rockefeller Institute representatives facilitated dialogue among group members to allow for different perspectives to be shared in small group and large group settings.
Recommendations provided in the report will be used by the Arkansas State Plant Board to develop regulations for dicamba use in the 2018 growing season. A quarterly Arkansas State Plant Board meeting is scheduled for September 21.
The Arkansas Agriculture Department is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation.