Congresswoman Houchin, alongside a bipartisan coalition of her colleagues sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging immediate action to safeguard farmers' access to essential Dicamba-based crop protection tools.
The recent decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, which would have barred the use of Dicamba, caused an uproar in the agricultural community, as farmers have already finalized production plans for the upcoming spring planting season. Dicamba plays a pivotal role in no-till farming practices, aiding in weed control, and protecting crops.
The EPA issued an Existing Stocks Order providing limited authorization for the sale and distribution of Dicamba products already in the possession of growers or within the channels of trade and beyond the control of pesticide companies. However, Congresswoman Houchin and her colleagues are urging further adjustments to mitigate potential disruptions to agricultural operations.
In their letter, lawmakers called upon the EPA to swiftly appeal the court's decision.
The letter specifically says:
- “The decision from the District Court came at an inopportune time for farmers across the country who had already begun purchasing seeds and herbicides for this growing season or—in some areas—had already begun planting. While the Existing Stocks Order provides short-term certainty for this growing season, it is important that growers have access to these products in future growing seasons.
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Categories: Indiana, Crops