NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2022 decision to register the herbicides Enlist One and Enlist Duo through 2029 is now under direct legal attack, with environmental groups asking a federal court to revoke both labels entirely. The lawsuit argues that EPA failed to meet the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act standard requiring pesticides to avoid “unreasonable adverse effects” on the environment.
If the court sides with plaintiffs, both Enlist products — widely used on 2,4-D-resistant corn, soybeans, and cotton across 34 states — could come off the market.
According to Brigit Rollins, a Staff Attorney with the National Agricultural Law Center, the challenge centers on three allegations: that EPA understated environmental costs, overstated weed-control benefits, and relied on ineffective mitigation measures.
Plaintiffs say EPA used outdated 2018–2019 usage data and ignored the rapid expansion of Enlist technologies. They also argue EPA overstated Enlist’s role in managing resistant weeds, claiming many farmers rely on Enlist alone rather than pairing it with additional chemistries. They further contend that EPA’s new mitigation tools — including a 30-foot drift buffer and a point-based runoff “pick list” — are insufficient, noting research showing 2,4-D can drift farther and runoff controls may not require meaningful management changes.
A ruling to vacate the labels would immediately disrupt broadleaf weed management in major corn, soybean, and cotton states and could ripple through other crop protection products. Because Enlist One and Enlist Duo were among the first herbicides to receive EPA’s new mitigation language, the court’s decision will also shape how future labels apply drift and runoff safeguards.
A decision upholding EPA’s approach, however, would reinforce the agency’s newer mitigation tools and provide regulatory stability for similar products.
Farm-Level Takeaway: A court decision that overturns Enlist labels would remove two major herbicides from use and reshape EPA’s future mitigation policies for other pesticides.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Brooks York with Agri-Sompo joined us to discuss this year’s harvest price calculations and what they could mean for producers nationwide.
October 22, 2025 03:05 PM
·
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
October 22, 2025 11:53 AM
·
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
October 21, 2025 12:39 PM
·
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
October 21, 2025 11:57 AM
·
Understanding how these tax provisions interact will be key for farmers planning long-term equipment purchases or transfers within the family.
October 20, 2025 03:45 PM
·
Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
October 20, 2025 11:22 AM
·
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
October 17, 2025 04:54 PM
·
Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge highlights why the U.S. trade standoff with China is especially critical for Arkansas producers.
October 17, 2025 04:07 PM
·
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
October 17, 2025 12:27 PM
·
