A BASF News release states:
BASF has filed an emergency motion to intervene following the decision by the United States Court of Appeals to vacate the federal registrations of three dicamba-based herbicides, including BASF’s Engenia herbicide.
On June 3, the Court’s decision brought BASF’s product into the case for the first time. BASF has requested to intervene after careful consideration of the sudden and severe financial impact vacating the registration has had on farmers during this application time. Farmers have less than a month to protect millions of acres under threat from resistant weeds.
The motion stats the decision has caused immediate chaos among the ag community and threatens the livelihood of countless U.S. farmers.
“Taking this action during the height of the application season gives no regard to the significant investments farmers have made in their businesses and leaves them without viable options for the growing season,” said Paul Rea, Senior Vice President, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America.
“Farming is difficult even in the best of times and remains challenging. Making this decision now, when weed resistance continues to threaten farming operations, is disastrous for our customers. Farmers have counted on applications of dicamba-based products to control troublesome weeds for decades, and they continue to need these tools now and in the future.”
Since its registration with the EPA in 2016, on-target applications of Engenia herbicide have helped farmers produce clean fields and robust yields of dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
And because of BASF’s commitment to stewardship, the company provides customers with a range of practices, equipment, and training to make sure they have the tools to get the most out of BASF products while protecting the environment.
“I have been using Engenia for three years, and it is a critical part of my operation to reduce the threat of resistant weeds and ensure a successful yield each season,” said Brad Kallenbach, a soybean farmer from Jamestown, North Dakota. “My livelihood depends on tools like Engenia to tackle these challenges, and those of us that use it have dedicated a tremendous amount of time to ensure that we are doing it responsibly.
“The Court’s decision to vacate the Engenia registration leaves me with no good options for this year. It’s a steep cost that no grower under these circumstances was ready to bear.”
The EPA’s approval process for crop protection products is science-based and data-driven. BASF invests in and uses the best science and testing protocols to develop next-generation innovations like Engenia herbicide. BASF scientists have over 50 years of experience in developing and improving dicamba for effective and safe applications.
“Engenia and other dicamba-based herbicides are critical in ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture and crop protection products,” continued Rea. “Not only do they play a role in protecting crops, but also in ensuring an abundant, safe and affordable food supply. Continued innovation in crop protection and weed management must continue and be supported to sustain this industry.”