EPA’s proposed rule on atrazine could have a negative impact on farmers. The agency released its draft ecological risk assessment as part of the re-registration process and if its recommendations stand, farmers will basically lose the use of the herbicide. National Corn Growers Association Vice President Kevin Skunes says the science backs the safety of atrazine.

He says atrazine helps reduce soil erosion and runoff problems, which keeps soil healthy and water clean. So if farmers lose this tool it will be costly.

Skunes says the National Corn Growers wants farmers to comment on the EPA’s proposal at their website urging the EPA to reconsider their proposal.

He says if atrazine is banned, it may set a precedent for other important herbicides.
Iowa State University Professor of Weed Science Bob Hartzler said farmers have made significant progress adopting reduced till and no-till methods of growing a crop and atrazine plays a key role in making these practices more sustainable.