State of Chlorpyrifos, Scientists Defend and Seek Alternatives for Growers

Mar 15, 2019

By Ryan Adams

Brad’s article talked about how Chlorpyrifos has been in limbo since last summer. For now, growers who need the pesticide can still use it. But for how long?

In August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ordered the EPA to immediately revoke all tolerances for chlorpyrifos, essentially banning its use. In doing this, the court leapfrogged over the EPA’s regulatory process and current review of the pesticide. In September, the EPA asked the court to review again its decision. The first week of February, the court announced it would indeed rehear the case.

Since last month, advocates across the agriculture community have stepped up including Virginia Tech University. A recent article from John Hart (Southeast FarmPress | 3/12/2019) talks about peanut scientists defending use of chlorpyrifos and help seek alternatives for growers. A snapshot of John’s article can be found below.

The registration of chlorpyrifos, the active ingredient in Lorsban, should continue. It is safe for pesticide applicators and consumers when label directions are followed. That’s the message Virginia Tech scientists are delivering.

Chlorpyrifos is the only chemical tool registered for Virginia peanut farmers against southern corn rootworm, a potentially devastating pest.

Speaking at the annual Virginia peanut growers production meeting Feb. 27 at the Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin, Dr. Sally Taylor, Virginia Tech Extension entomologist, said NGOs, including the Pesticide Action Network North America, continue to petition the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to ban chlorpyrifos.

Source:ncsu.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.