09 Jun Dicamba Update: Kansas Dept. of Agriculture in Communication with EPA on Unanswered Questions
Kansas Department of Agriculture published a press release this afternoon regarding EPA’s June 8, 2020 issuance of cancellation orders for three dicamba products. KDA has identified several unanswered questions about how this order applies to Kansas farmers and agribusinesses and is in communication with the EPA for further interpretation.
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association will continue to be in contact with Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), EPA and our industry partners. KARA will disperse additional information as soon as it becomes available.
Below is the full KDA news release, along with unanswered questions and EPA’s press release from June 8.
For dicamba-related inquiries for KARA staff click HERE
KDA Press Release
On Monday, June 8, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final cancellation order for three dicamba products in response to the recent court ruling that vacated registration for the products. The EPA’s cancellation order intended to clarify the limited and specific circumstances under which these dicamba products can be used for a limited period of time, including provisions for existing stocks. The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified several unanswered questions about how this order applies to Kansas farmers and agribusinesses and is in communication with the EPA for further interpretation.
The EPA cancellation order addresses the sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products: Engenia, FeXapan, and Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology. Under this cancellation order, further distribution or sale of all existing stocks of these products is allowed only to the end user. Such distribution and sales can only be made by Kansas restricted use pesticide dealers. If growers, commercial applicators, and agribusinesses have these products in their possession, end use applications may still occur provided that all label restrictions are followed. All use is prohibited after July 31, 2020.
EPA’s order addresses sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products – XtendiMax with vapor grip technology, Engenia, and FeXapan.
- Distribution or sale by any person is generally prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant.
Growers and commercial applicators may use existing stocks that were in their possession on June 3, 2020, the effective date of the Court decision. Such use must be consistent with the product’s previously-approved label, and may not continue after July 31, 2020.
As further details become available from the EPA, KDA will share that information on our website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/dicamba. This site will also serve as a source for more detail on the affected dicamba products, the EPA order, and how this order applies in Kansas. If you have additional questions, please contact the KDA pesticide and fertilizer program at 785-564-6688.