Monday, June 8th, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a response to the recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to set aside three Dicamba registrations.  

While Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Agribusiness Council appreciate the EPA’s efforts to provide clarity to farmers and ag retailers after the gross overreach, we are frustrated that the agency did not allow a more expanded use of existing stocks. 

“It is another frustrating development for our members at this late stage in the planting and growing season for cotton and soybean producers,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long said. “By foregoing the expanded use of existing stocks more hardships have been placed on Georgia producers,” Long said.  

Will Bentley, President of the Georgia Agribusiness Council said, “We appreciate the effort by the EPA to provide guidance in a difficult situation, however, we feel the agency did not go far enough to follow their longstanding protocol that would allow the remaining stocks of Dicamba held by our ag retailers to be sold and applied in a critical time for farmers.” “Our organizations believe that this announcement does not fully address the confusion that exists and in fact, we think this continues to cloud the issue,” Bentley said.       

Both Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Agribusiness Council were stunned with last week’s decision from the 9^th Circuit. The two organizations advocate for Georgia farmers and agribusinesses and have said the court’s conclusion removes an invaluable tool and resource at a time when growers cannot afford another setback.