Source: SOUTHERN CROP PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION, 6/8/20

CLA's official statement about the ruling is below: 

"We are disappointed with the ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that vacates current U.S. registrations of certain low-volatility dicamba products. We continue to support the science-based decisions made by career scientists at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who have worked over decades under multiple administrations to ensure that pesticides are safe for the public and environment when used according to the label. This decision comes in the middle of planting season in the U.S. and could have devastating consequences for farmers, who have already made plans to protect their crops. We hope that EPA’s next steps will reflect the needs of American farmers for regulatory certainty and science-based decision-making."


Today, Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler regarding the Ninth Circuit vacature of three dicamba labels earlier this week.

"The immediate nature of the decision and mandate has already created chaos in our industry," said Coppock. "Growers are now without options at the worst possible time in their production year."

The letter requests EPA appeal the federal court ruling "using all legal avenues available ..." U.S. farmers are in the heart of their growing season, and planting decisions and subsequent herbicide application plans have been made. Ag retailers and growers will be scrambling to secure alternatives, which may not be readily available in time.

"This decision by the Ninth Circuit is an overreach and must be corrected immediately," said Coppock. "This will have a major impact on this year's crops if not handled very soon. The farm economy has already experienced major struggles this year and this is one that can easily be avoided."

Click here to read the full text of the letter. 

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