Enlist is a go in the United States.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it’s final decision to register Enlist Duo, a herbicide containing a new version of 2,4-D and glyphosate.
“The pesticide is for use in controlling weeds in corn and soybeans genetically engineered to tolerate 2,4-D and glyphosate,” the EPA said in a statement. “The agency’s decision reflects a large body of science and an understanding of the risk of pesticides to human health and the environment.”
The long awaited decision comes after 18 months to two years of deliberation on the Enlist technology, developed by Dow AgroSciences. The EPA ordered a special review of the technology following an outcry from environmental groups and citizens concerned about the perceived human health risks associated with 2,4-D.
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The EPA said it considered those concerns.
“EPA scientists used highly conservative and protective assumptions to evaluate human health and ecological risks for the new uses of 2,4-D in Enlist Duo. The assessments confirm that these uses meet the safety standards for pesticide registration and, as approved, will be protective of the public, agricultural workers and non-target species, including endangered species.”
Dow has promoted Enlist as a potential solution to the rapidly expanding problem of herbicide resistant weeds in North America. The company says only a small number of weeds are resistant to 2,4-D, so this technology provides herbicide diversity and should help farmers struggling with glyphosate resistant weeds.
Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency approved the use of Enlist Duo nearly two years ago.
The U.S. approval means a substantial number of corn and soybean farmers will grow crops with stacked herbicide resistance for the first time next spring.
The EPA decision doesn’t apply to the entire U.S.
The agency is registering the pesticide in Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The EPA is accepting comments until Nov. 14 on whether to register Enlist Duo in 10 other states.
