The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has again allowed the use of dicamba, a controversial weedkiller, for genetically modified soybeans and cotton. This decision comes after previous approvals were struck down by federal courts. While the EPA states new restrictions aim to address environmental concerns, critics argue the move will lead to further damage and health risks.
Background on Dicamba and its Use
Dicamba is a weedkiller that can be sprayed directly onto genetically modified (GM) crops designed to withstand it. Its use has become more widespread in recent years, particularly on soybean and cotton farms.
Dicamba has been used in the U.S. for over 50 years.
Its application on GM crops, known as "over-the-top" (OTT) application, has increased significantly in the last decade.
Manufacturers, such as Bayer, view federal registration as essential for seeking state-level approvals.
Concerns Regarding Dicamba Drift and Environmental Impact
A major point of contention surrounding dicamba is its tendency to drift from its intended application site. This drift has been linked to significant damage to non-target plants.
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Environmental groups and advocates report that dicamba drift has harmed vast areas of farmland, destroying vegetable farms, trees, and other vital plant life.
The National Wildlife Federation has raised concerns that dicamba poses a threat to wild flora and fauna due to its potential to spread across local ecosystems.
Critics argue that allowing dicamba use on major crops like soybeans and cotton will inherently increase the total amount applied, thereby amplifying these harmful effects.
Potential Health and Environmental Safeguards
The EPA, in its reapproval, has introduced new measures intended to mitigate the risks associated with dicamba.
New limits include mandatory buffer zones around application sites.
Restrictions have been placed on the total annual amounts of dicamba that can be applied.
The EPA stated that with adherence to the new label instructions, they found "no unreasonable risk to human health and the environment from OTT dicamba use."
Bayer plans to market its dicamba herbicide, Stryax, with claims of up to 14 days of soil activity.
Legal and Political Landscape
Dicamba's regulatory history is marked by legal challenges and court-ordered bans.
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The herbicide has faced federal court-ordered suspensions twice previously.
The current EPA decision may be subject to further legal challenges, with environmental groups indicating their intention to pursue new court actions.
Some reports suggest a connection between dicamba and health concerns, including links to certain cancers and endocrine disruption, though the EPA's recent assessment disputes unreasonable risk when applied correctly.
The political climate surrounding the decision is notable, with reports linking the approval to the Trump administration. An individual identified as a former lobbyist for the American Soybean Association now holds a deputy assistant administrator position within the EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
This report is based on information from The Guardian, Associated Press, NBC Boston, Ground.News, and The Straitstimes, all published around February 8, 2026, with one article dated July 25, 2025.
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