New safeguards allow limited dicamba use while reducing drift risks nationwide
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a limited registration for over-the-top dicamba use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean crops. This decision includes the strongest protections ever applied to dicamba and will remain in effect for the next two growing seasons.
Dicamba has been widely used by farmers to manage herbicide-resistant weeds, especially Palmer amaranth, which can grow rapidly and severely reduce crop yields. Farmers across the Cotton Belt have said that without dicamba, controlling these weeds during the growing season becomes extremely difficult and costly.
EPA stated that the approval follows a detailed scientific review using hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and real-world data. The agency evaluated both human health and environmental risks, focusing mainly on professional pesticide applicators with long-term exposure. Based on this analysis, EPA concluded that dicamba can be used safely when strict label instructions are followed.
To reduce environmental risks, EPA cut the maximum annual dicamba application rate in half and doubled the required use of volatility reduction agents. Farmers must also follow conservation practices to protect endangered species and limit applications during high-temperature conditions, when drift risks are higher.
Several long-standing restrictions remain in place. Only certified applicators may apply dicamba, and annual training is required. Aerial application is banned, and strict rules govern wind speed, spray height, droplet size, buffers, and timing. Applications near sensitive crops or plants are prohibited.
EPA emphasized that all label requirements are enforceable under federal law. Violations may result in fines or criminal penalties. The agency will closely monitor real-world results and may change or revoke approval if new risks emerge.
This decision aims to support farmers while ensuring strong protections for people, neighboring crops, and the environment.
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