Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Accepts Request for State-Level Label Amendments for Dicamba Products 

June 20 Cutoff Date Aimed at Preserving Long Term Use, Reducing Risk of Pesticide Misuse

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 16, 2022) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved label amendments to implement a June 20 application cutoff date for dicamba herbicide application for the 2022 growing season. The state-level restriction is aimed at preserving access to dicamba herbicide products and reducing the risk of off-site movement of the products. 

“Iowa is a national leader in agricultural production and our farmers need continued access to weed management technology to protect their crops,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “I’m glad that EPA has agreed to preserve access to a critical tool that farmers need, however, I’m frustrated by the lack of urgency that EPA has shown throughout this process. Our team will work with stakeholders to ensure that Iowans are aware of this change as we quickly approach the growing season.”

The June 20 cutoff date was submitted by registrants for EPA review in January. Affected products include Engenia by BASF, Tavium by Syngenta, and XtendiMax by Bayer.

Background on Dicamba-Related Restrictions
EPA enacted a federal dicamba application cutoff date of June 30 for the 2021 growing season.

On Dec. 21, 2021, EPA provided a summary of dicamba-related incidents from the 2021 growing season. In its report, EPA said it “is reviewing whether over-the-top dicamba can be used in a manner that does not pose reasonable risks to non-target crops and other plants, or to listed species and their designated critical habitats.”

EPA also said it would work with states to address issues related to incidents in their jurisdictions.

“The rise in litigation targeting pesticide product registrations and off-target pesticide misuse complaints pose a threat to farmers’ long-term access to dicamba,” said Secretary Naig. “While I would have preferred a reasonable, federal solution to this issue, we will implement this approach at the state level to help ensure continued access for Iowa farmers.” 

Pesticide Misuse Investigations
The following is historical Iowa-specific data for pesticide and alleged growth regulator-related (dicamba) misuse investigations conducted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
 

*Crop years run from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30