Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and a group of colleagues are urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to appeal a recent court decision regarding dicamba-based crop protection tools used by cotton and soybean producers. With planting season approaching in the Southern states, the Senators are also seeking an expansion of an existing stock order on the herbicide.

In a letter led by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, the Senators expressed their concerns about the potential impact of the court decision on farmers who have already made planting decisions for the upcoming spring season. They emphasized the importance of protecting farmers' access to essential crop protection tools, stating, "The last thing farmers need now is to lose access to critical crop protection tools in which they have already invested thousands of dollars and on which they have based this year’s planting decisions."

The Senators highlighted the significance of dicamba in modern farming practices, noting that its availability is crucial for the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural operations. They warned that a lack of access to dicamba could lead to setbacks in yields and conservation efforts, pushing farmers towards less efficient tillage methods.

The letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly with planting already underway in some Southern states. The Senators called for prompt action to appeal the court decision and modify the existing stocks order to prevent disruptions for farmers, retailers, and manufacturers.

The Senators pointed out the potential economic repercussions of restricting dicamba use, citing USDA forecasts of declining farm income and a record agricultural trade deficit. They underscored the importance of ensuring that farmers have access to safe and effective crop protection tools to sustainably meet global demands for food, clothing, and fuel.

Senator Hyde-Smith and her colleagues, including Senators from various agricultural states, are urging the EPA to consider the immediate needs of farmers and the broader implications of the court decision on the agricultural sector. They are advocating for swift action to protect farmers' access to essential crop protection tools as they prepare for the upcoming planting season.