The U.S. Justice Department is asking the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for a rehearing on the use of chlorpyrifos or Lorsban. In August, the court ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel all registrations for the product. South Dakota Corn Growers Association President Troy Knecht is pleased DOJ has asked for a reconsideration as Lorsban is an important product to control pests such as corn rootworm.
He says producers who apply Lorsban have gone through training and certification and properly handle and follow the label directions when applying the insecticide.
Knecht says farmers need to ensure consumers they’re properly using all crop protection products. Plus, its important regulators keep those products available for farmers to use.
If the August Appeals Court ruling stands, registration for chlorpyrifos would end on October 9.
