FRANKFORT, KY (June 9, 2020) – The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is releasing updated guidance about dicamba-based technology in light of new direction from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles has announced.

“I am deeply disappointed in the Ninth Circuit Court’s decision, which has led to incredible confusion, heartburn, and economic disruption for our agricultural producers,” said Commissioner Quarles. “We are living in an unusual time where a court has inserted themselves into the middle of a production year. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will continue to be a resource for our farm families and to advocate for the latest crop technology so that they can continue the difficult work of producing food and fiber for a growing world.”

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order on June 3, 2020 vacating EPA’s pesticide registrations for three products containing the active ingredient dicamba: Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology (EPA Reg. No. 524-617); Engenia – (EPA Reg. No. 7969-345); and FeXapan – (EPA Reg. No. 352-913).

On June 8, the EPA issued an order to address the sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products.

The federal order from EPA states:

• Distribution or sale by any person is generally prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant.
• Growers and commercial applicators may use existing stocks that were in their possession on June 3, 2020, the effective date of the Court decision. Such use must be consistent with the product’s previously-approved label, and may not continue after July 31, 2020.

Full details are available from the EPA on its website here.