Missouri Department Of Agriculture Takes Proactive Measures To Reduce Off-Target Crop Injury During The 2018 Growing Season

JEFFERSON CITY, MO.
   In a collaborative effort to safeguard Missouri agriculture, the Missouri Department of Agriculture today issued a 24c Special Local Need label for ENGENIA Herbicide, EPA Registration Number 7969-345 – SLN label MO-180001. The Department anticipates issuing similar labels for XTENDIMAX and FEXAPAN soon.
   “Our intent in issuing the Special Local Need label is to protect this technology for the future,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “We thoroughly reviewed the new label restrictions agreed upon by EPA and the registrants, and as much research data as possible to come to this decision that I believe will protect the product and the producers.” 
   According to the Special Local Need label, to apply ENGENIA to Dicamba-tolerant soybeans and Dicamba-tolerant cotton in Missouri, applicators must abide by the following restrictions:
   Restricted Use Pesticide – For sale to and use ONLY by certified applicators. Non-certified applicators are prohibited from applying this product.
   Training Requirement – Prior to the purchase and/or use of the product, certified applicators must complete mandatory Dicamba training provided by the University of Missouri Extension, which will be available soon. Training verification must be presented to the retail establishment, pesticide dealer or distributor upon taking possession of ENGENIA. For more information on training, visit the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s website at Agriculture.Mo.Gov/dicamba. Applicators are also encouraged to attend training provided by the registrants.  
   Dicamba Notice of Application Form – Certified applicators must complete an online Dicamba Notice of Application form daily prior to each application. The blank Dicamba Notice of Application form can be found at Agriculture.Mo.Gov/dicamba/notice.
   Application Timing – The product cannot be applied before 7:30 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m.
   Cutoff Date
   • Use of ENGENIA in Dicamba-tolerant soybeans and Dicamba-tolerant cotton is prohibited after June 1, 2018, in the following southeast Missouri counties: Dunklin, Pemiscot, New Madrid, Stoddard, Scott, Mississippi, Butler, Ripley, Bollinger and Cape Girardeau.
   • Use of ENGENIA in Dicamba-tolerant soybeans and Dicamba-tolerant cotton is prohibited after July 15, 2018, in all remaining Missouri counties.
   These restrictions were determined based upon feedback the Department received from stakeholders and analysis of alleged crop injury complaints filed during the 2017 growing season.
   “Through countless conversations and meetings, we were able to reach a compromise – one that is proactive and provides certainty for farmers as they make their decisions for 2018,” Chinn said. “The process included input from growers, researchers, industry partners and farm and commodity organizations, all of whom want to see Missouri agriculture thrive and prosper.”
   To obtain a certified private applicator license, individuals must complete certified private applicator training provided by the University of Missouri Extension. Training programs are offered throughout the year by contacting your local county extension office.
   If you are a pesticide applicator engaged in the business of applying pesticides for hire in exchange for a fee or other compensation, you must obtain a certified commercial applicator license through the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
   To learn more about becoming a certified applicator, visit the Department’s certification and licensing web page.
   More detailed information about this issue is available at Agriculture.Mo.Gov/dicamba. ∆
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