NCGA Supports EPA’s Interim Decision on Glyphosate Registration
The NCGA recently submitted comments in support of U.S. EPA’s proposed interim registration review decision for glyphosate. EPA is required to review pesticide registrations every 15 years to comply with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), but may choose to issue interim decisions as needed to account for completed risk assessments and the availability of new data.
“The introduction of chemical herbicides during the second half of the 20th century transformed modern agriculture. Glyphosate, in particular, revolutionized weed control and facilitated the use of no-till practices, which have reduced topsoil erosion and improved soil health,” said Lynn Chrisp, NCGA president from Nebraska. “It is one of the most widely used and comprehensively evaluated herbicides and we appreciate the EPA’s recognition of the sound science behind this product in its interim review decision.”
In the decision at hand, EPA states it is issuing an interim decision to move forward with aspects of the registration review that are complete, including the human health and ecological risk assessments.
Glyphosate continues to be the cornerstone for comprehensive and sustainable weed management, Chrisp noted, though growers understand that a diverse plan is necessary for both season-long control and resistance management.
John Linder, Edison, Ohio, farmer and incoming NCGA First Vice President, discussed the important role glyphosate plays in corn production and the increase in minimum-till practices that benefit soil health with Alexandra Dunn, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, at the Farm Progress Show last week.
EPA is also working with the Fish and Wildlife Services and the National Marine Fisheries Service to conduct an evaluation of glyphosate’s impacts on endangered species, as is required by Endangered Species Act (ESA). EPA proposed several minor label changes in the interim decision. EPA hopes these mitigation measures will reduce any potential for off-target movement, especially movement that would impact pollinators, while the ESA review is getting underway. EPA expects to issue its final registration decision for glyphosate once the ESA evaluation is complete.
