EPA Approves Bayer, BASF Dicamba Weedkillers Despite Farmers' Concerns
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is allowing farmers to use controversial weedkillers made by ag giants Bayer and BASF for another five years.
But farmers across the country, including in Missouri’s Bootheel, have complained for years that the dicamba-based herbicides have drifted off target, damaging millions of acres of crops.
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the approval on Tuesday, saying it would give farmers who depend on the products to fight difficult-to-kill weeds certainty for next year's growing season.
“After reviewing substantial amounts of new information, conducting scientific assessments based on the best available science and carefully considering input from stakeholders, we have reached a resolution that is good for our farmers and our environment,” he said in a statement.
https://news.stlpublicradio.org/economy-business/2020-10-28/u-s-epa-approves-bayer-basf-dicamba-weedkillers-despite-farmers-concerns