05 Oct KARA Submits Comments on EPA’s Registration Review of Atrazine
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA) submitted comments to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Thursday concerning the agency’s re-evaluation of the current level of concern for atrazine herbicide. EPA’s deadline to receive comments is Friday, Oct. 7.
In summary, KARA requested EPA retain the current aquatic level of concern at 15 parts per billion for atrazine, and not adopt the additional proposed label mitigation measures.
On June 30, 2022, EPA announced it has re-evaluated the current atrazine level of concern (LOC), which is 15 ppb, and “determined” in its proposed revised interim registration review decision (IRRD) that the LOC is 3.4 ppb with additional label mitigation measures required for atrazine use.
In comments available to view below, KARA noted EPA’s proposed revision is not based on scientific standards and the label restrictions are ill-advised and unnecessary.
“The proposed label changes reducing the application rate, banning use 48 hours before “predicted” rain events, and eliminating aerial application, would effectively create a de facto deregistration of this necessary crop protection product.”
KARA also pointed to atrazine’s strong record of safe use, the benefits of the product in Kansas agricultural production and the positive impact it has played on the environment and economy.
“Atrazine’s registration follows more than a decade of scientifically comprehensive reviews that acknowledge atrazine’s safety when used according to the label. Atrazine has also been confirmed safe for use by international standards. The World Health Organization approved for use in 2003, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization approved for use in 2007. Further, Great Britain (2000), Canada (2004) and Australia (2008) have all confirmed atrazine as safe for use.”
Should EPA effectively create a deregistration of this necessary crop protection product, a University of Chicago study found that the loss of atrazine could cost farmers as much as $59 per acre. Farmers typically apply atrazine at a cost below $7.50 per acre, as compared to alternative pre-emergent herbicides which can cost closer to $22.00 per acre.