The National Corn Growers Association and 40 other farm groups have written the EPA urging them not to move forward with banning the pesticide Chlorpyrifos. Iowa Corn Grower’s President Bob Hemesath says the pesticide is an important tool for producers trying to control corn rootworm, soybean aphids and spider mites.

He says the EPA needs to hear from all the groups impacted by their decision regarding the pesticide, which is known by the trade names Dursban and Lorsban.

Hemesath says the federal agency also needs to use all the science-based information it can before making a decision.

NCGA and the other Ag groups also informed the EPA of their concern with the agency holding a hastily called meeting with the Science Advisory panel as they look at banning Chlorpyrifos.