AreaUnited States of America
Commodity GroupOilseeds, oils and meals
CommodityHerbicide \'Dicamba\'
Date01/12/2017
Policy CategoryOther
Policy InstrumentPest control measures & regulations
DescriptionFurther restricted the use herbicide \'dicamba\'.
NotesSince federal authorities restricted the use of the herbicide dicamba late last year (see MPPU Oct. & Dec.17), additional, state-specific restrictions have been imposed in Arkansas, Minnesota, Missouri and North Dakota. The measures are meant to reduce instances of the herbicide drifting and damaging neighbouring fields. Agri-business company Monsanto, which markets dicamba-based herbicides along with genetically engineered dicamba-tolerant varieties of soybeans and cotton to help farmers control weeds that developed resistance to other herbicides, maintains that the chemicals are safe when properly applied. Reportedly, Monsanto decided to offer US soy farmers a cash incentive if they agree to use the herbicide on the companys GM soybeans. The recently imposed regulatory restrictions are expected to drive up the costs of using dicamba, which Monsanto is aiming to counter with its cash-back offer.
