Time Sensitive!! – PMRA Proposed Special Review Decision of Dicamba

Have Your Say: Proposed Changes to Dicamba Use in Canada

On September 16, 2025, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) published a proposed special review decision for dicamba products.

This review could significantly impact how Manitoba soybean growers use dicamba. Farmers and stakeholders now have an opportunity to submit comments before the decision is finalized. The deadline for comments is December 16, 2025.

Why is PMRA reviewing Dicamba use?

PMRA received incident reports and a new toxicity study showing risks to non-target terrestrial plants from dicamba use. These findings triggered a special review of all currently registered commercial-class dicamba products and their associated uses in Canada.

Why does dicamba matter for Manitoba soybean growers?

• In 2025, Manitoba farmers grew 1.54 million acres of commercial soybeans and 98,000 acres of pedigree soybeans for seed production.
• Dicamba-tolerant varieties accounted for over 74% of these acres.

Dicamba is a critical tool for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds such as waterhemp, kochia, smartweed, and cleavers. In particular, waterhemp germinates later in the season, after pre-emergent herbicides lose effectiveness. Dicamba’s early post-emergent application timing helps manage this challenge.

MPSG recognizes dicamba as an essential option for both pre- and post-emergent weed control. We stand firmly opposed to the PMRA’s proposed special review decision.