EPA has announced it will restore use of Enlist herbicides to many U.S. counties. This label amendment, prompted by new data submitted to EPA, lifts county-level bans on use of Enlist and Enlist Duo in 134 counties across multiple states, including those where the American Burying Beetle is alleged to be present. SDSU Extension Weed Science Coordinator Paul Johnson says this is good news for growers.
He says EPA reversed course on this decision which used the Endangered Species Act to put additional Enlist herbicide restrictions on various counties.
Johnson says this close to the planting season many growers already had seed bought and decisions made so this will be helpful, especially with the record high prices and shortage of inputs including herbicides.
The American Soybean Association, welcomed the announcement expressing appreciation for EPA hearing their concerns and working to quickly restore access in many counties where science and data support doing so.
Numerous counties remain under county-level bans following EPA’s latest decision. The groups hope the agency will continue reviewing data that might allow use to be restored in those areas, as well.
