Syngenta has joined Bayer and BASF in submitting a proposed label for its dicamba product, ...

Syngenta has joined Bayer and BASF in submitting a proposed label for its dicamba product, Tavium, as regulatory scrutiny over the herbicide continues. Syngenta's label seeks approval for over-the-top application on soybean plants through the V2 growth stage or until June 12, whichever comes first.

This development follows a significant ruling earlier this year, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was ordered by an Arizona District Court to cancel the use of dicamba over-the-top on soybeans and cotton. Despite the ruling, the EPA granted a request from Farm Bureau for an existing stocks order, allowing the use of dicamba products through the 2024 growing season. However, a subsequent request from Farm Bureau for an extension due to supply chain concerns was denied, leaving farmers reliant on existing stocks for 2024.

Chemical companies have been working to ensure that farmers can continue using dicamba under revised guidelines. Bayer was the first to submit a new label for its XtendiMax product as covered in newswire, followed by BASF's submission for Engenia, also seen in newswire. Both proposals have been under review, with Syngenta's recent submission closely aligning with BASF's, proposing a shorter application window than previously allowed, but including over-the-top use for soybeans.

The proposed changes by Syngenta reduce the application period from the V4 growth stage or June 30, as previously permitted, to the V2 stage or June 12. These changes reflect the companies' attempts to align with regulatory expectations while providing farmers with viable crop protection options.

The review process for these labels remains uncertain. The EPA has up to 17 months to decide following the close of the public comment period, potentially pushing the decision past the 2025 growing season. We hope to see a decision much sooner and encouraged the EPA in our comments to expedite approval. However, there has been some discouraging news in response to the request.

When asked in early August 2024 about the availability of dicamba products for growing season 2025, the head of USDA's Office of Pest Management Policy, Kimberly Nesci, said, "I cannot envision a path by which EPA would actually be able to do it". In addition, the EPA has said that under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, it would need until late 2025 to review the three dicamba applications and make an informed decision. While the outlook for product availability is bleak, Nebraska Farm Bureau has not given up hope, and continues to advocate for farmers having as many crop protection products as possible.

If you wish to check the labels and mitigation language for any of the three dicamba products, they can be found on the official regulation webpage. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kole Pederson, Director of Environmental & Regulatory Affairs, at [email protected].