The Environmental Protection  Agency (EPA) said farmers have until July 31 to use existing supplies of dicamba herbicides, which were effectively banned by a federal appeals court last week. 

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady said the order provides immediate relief but doesn’t address long-term concerns.

“We appreciate EPA granting flexibility for farmers to utilize dicamba herbicides already purchased, but the court’s decision still leaves producers without effective control for some invasive plants such as pigweed,” said Hornady, commodity director for cotton, soybeans, and wheat and feed grains. “Farmers who have invested in dicamba-resistant crops as part of their conservation tillage practices are being forced to explore other options.”

Hornady said the Federation will continue to work with researchers, crop protection manufacturers, officials and agencies to help farmers plan for the future.

According to EPA, the order will “mitigate some of the devastating economic consequences of the court’s decision for growers, and particularly rural communities, at a time they are experiencing great stress due to…COVID-19.”

EPA’s order addresses sale, distribution and use of existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products ­— XtendiMax with vapor grip technology, Engenia and FeXapan.

Distribution or sale is prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant.

Applicators may use existing stocks in possession on June 3, the effective date of the court decision.