EPA Approves Hemp Pesticides, Proposes Atrazine Reregistration

The Environmental Protection Agency Thursday approved ten pesticides for use on hemp crops for use during the 2020 growing season. The much-needed action allows hemp growers to protect their crops with approved products.

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles says the action “is a step in the right direction” for hemp growers, adding “it is important our growers have new technologies and tools to better help protect their crops and increase their yields.” While EPA oversees pesticide registrations for hemp, other federal agencies are working to streamline their separate regulatory implementation processes for the newly legalized crop. The agency also advanced the reregistration of atrazine, a widely used product for weed control.

Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO and Triazine Network Chair Gary Marshall says, "We appreciate" the proposal, adding atrazine is "tremendously important to farmers across the country.” The agency is proposing a reduction to the maximum application rate for atrazine used on residential turf, and other updates to the label requirements, including mandatory spray drift control measures.

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