The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is giving a nod to producers, recently agreeing with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) over atrazine.
The EPA’s decision was based on stakeholder comments, removing several questionable studies over the product, a chlorinated triazine systemic herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses in crop fields that produce corn, sorghum, sugarcane, and other crops as well as ornamental plants and turf.
While approved for use, previous concerns were raised surrounding the aquatic concentration level of concern. In 2022, the EPA proposed lowering the level of concern to 3.4 parts per billion, from the previous 15 parts. The triazine network argued the EPA’s decision was based on low-quality studies and flawed modeling systems.
Scientists on the advisory panel thanked farmers for their input, and testimonies based on real-world benefits of atrazine. If followed through, the proposal would have impacted nearly three-quarters of corn acres in the United States.
