State of Chlorpyrifos, Scientists Defend and Seek Alternatives for Growers

 

Brad’s article talked about how Chlorpyrifos has been in limbo since last summer. For now, growers who need the pesticide can still use it. But for how long?

 

In August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ordered the EPA to immediately revoke all tolerances for chlorpyrifos, essentially banning its use. In doing this, the court leapfrogged over the EPA’s regulatory process and current review of the pesticide. In September, the EPA asked the court to review again its decision. The first week of February, the court announced it would indeed rehear the case.

 

Since last month, advocates across the agriculture community have stepped up including Virginia Tech University. A recent article from John Hart (Southeast FarmPress | 3/12/2019) talks about peanut scientists defending use of chlorpyrifos and help seek alternatives for growers. A snapshot of John’s article can be found below.

 

The registration of chlorpyrifos, the active ingredient in Lorsban, should continue. It is safe for pesticide applicators and consumers when label directions are followed. That’s the message Virginia Tech scientists are delivering.

 

Chlorpyrifos is the only chemical tool registered for Virginia peanut farmers against southern corn rootworm, a potentially devastating pest.

 

 

Speaking at the annual Virginia peanut growers production meeting Feb. 27 at the Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin, Dr. Sally Taylor, Virginia Tech Extension entomologist, said NGOs, including the Pesticide Action Network North America, continue to petition the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to ban chlorpyrifos.