Louisiana Farm Bureau Joins Seven Ag Organizations Asking for Dicamba Existing Stocks Rule

By Avery Davidson

The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, along with seven other organizations representing farmers and ranchers, is asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow producers to use the dicamba based products they have on hand despite a ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal vacating the label for three herbicides.

From the letter: “We are disheartened and surprised by the 9th Circuit Court’s decision to vacate the labels for Enginia, Fexapan, and Xtendimax. We believe that EPA’s decision to label these products was based on sounds scientific evidence and thoughtful engagement with the regulated community. Also, we believe that the current label requirements were sufficient to address environmental concerns and allow for their safe use.” 

“On behalf of the undersigned parties, we request that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issue an “Existing Stocks Rule,” or take other administrative actions as soon as is possible to allow the use of these products that farmers possess or are already in the supply chain for the 2020 growing season. Our producer members have already made a significant financial investment and are relying on this technology to get through this growing season.”

Joining the Louisiana Farm Bureau in that request are the Alabama Farmers Federation, Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Texas Farm Bureau Federation.