USA
November 2, 3034
Agricultural groups are celebrating a significant victory following today's decision by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. The ruling overturns the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ban on chlorpyrifos, a vital pesticide for crop protection. The ban had faced scrutiny for disregarding the findings of EPA scientists. This decision reinstates the use of chlorpyrifos in agriculture.
ASA led a joint press release with the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Sugarbeet Growers, and the Cherry Marketing Institute. In it, Daryl Cates, ASA president and an Illinois soybean farmer, expressed soybean growers’ satisfaction with the court's ruling, emphasizing its importance in upholding science-based regulations. Cates noted, "Today's decision is a triumph for agriculture and science-based governance, ensuring the safe and effective use of this essential tool for crop protection."
In February 2022, agricultural groups took action by filing a lawsuit against EPA to restore farmers' access to chlorpyrifos. They cited the EPA's records, which identified at least 11 low-risk, high-benefit agricultural applications of chlorpyrifos that can be safely maintained.
Growers are eagerly anticipating the return of chlorpyrifos for the 2024 growing season. The absence of this crucial tool in 2022 and 2023 forced many producers to increase their pesticide usage to manage the growing pest populations. For some farmers, this was the only effective tool to protect their crops from economically damaging pests.
Read the full release here.
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