EPA OKs Key Dow Agro ‘Breakthrough’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA herbicide that is considered the biggest development in Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences' history has cleared its final federal regulatory hurdle. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the Enlist Weed Control System for use in corn and soybeans. During an interview last month on Inside INdiana Business, Chief Executive Officer Tim Hassinger said the technology could have an impact on approximately 70 million acres of farmland infested with weeds resistant to older herbicides. Hassinger also said the company is awaiting approval for use with cotton plants, which could come next year.
October 15, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Enlist Weed Control System, breakthrough technology to fight resistant and tough weeds, is now approved by federal regulatory authorities. Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered Enlist Duo herbicide for use with Enlist corn and soybeans. EPA's decision is the final step in the federal regulatory process for the Enlist system. The Enlist corn and soybean traits were deregulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Sept. 17, 2014.
The news – a true victory for farmers who have been grappling with hard to control and resistant weeds for many years – comes as U.S. corn and soybean harvest is in full swing. Tens of millions of acres of American farmland are infested with glyphosate-resistant weeds, and the problem has grown worse every year. In fact, resistant weed infestation doubled between 2009 and 2013.
“Harvest is a meaningful time for farmers,” says Rusty Smith, a farmer from Des Arc, Arkansas. “We take stock. We appreciate what we have. We think about what’s behind us, and look ahead for what's to come. Knowing that Enlist is approved gives me great comfort. We have a very serious Palmer amaranth problem that Enlist will solve. We need tools to address weed resistance problems. Enlist Duo is made for that, and farmers are going to protect this tool now and in the future.”
With regulatory approvals now in place for Enlist corn and soybean traits and Enlist Duo herbicide, Dow AgroSciences will release its 2015 market intentions for Enlist in the coming weeks.
“Our company is uniquely positioned to answer the need for new, innovative weed control technology,” says Tim Hassinger, president, Dow AgroSciences. “With our leading biotech capability and strong chemistry heritage, we designed a breakthrough solution utilizing both traits and herbicides. The Enlist system is an extremely effective tool, and is tailored for the way farmers work today.”
Enlist Duo herbicide is a proprietary blend of new 2,4-D choline and glyphosate. By combining two modes of action, Enlist Duo will control and help prevent further development of herbicide-resistant weeds. Enlist Duo herbicide has also been optimized for on-target application utilizing Dow's proprietary Colex-D Technology, which will provide both stewardship and user benefits. Dow has made significant investments in existing and new assets to reliably supply high quality 2.4-D for current market needs, and 2,4-D choline for new Enlist Duo demand.
In its decision to deregulate Enlist corn and soybean traits in mid-September, USDA acknowledged that Enlist will be an effective tool for weed resistance management,
saying the technology can “be useful for decades if best management practices are followed,” and said that “allowing growers the choice to use herbicide resistance technology is consistent with USDA's mission of promoting agriculture production sustainably.”
Regulatory agencies in more than 70 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Australia and the U.S., have authorized the use of 2,4-D using modern regulatory requirements.
“This is a great day for American agriculture,” says Rick DeGroote, a farmer from Parkersburg, Iowa. “Access to tools like Enlist is what keeps American agriculture leading the globe when it comes to productivity and a safe food supply. And, on a personal note, technology that keeps us efficient is what allows me to keep this farm in our family for a fourth generation.”
To learn more about the Enlist Weed Control System, visit our YouTube channel, follow us on Twitter at @EnlistOnline or visit Enlist.com.
About Dow AgroSciences
Dow AgroSciences, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is committed to discovering, developing, and bringing to market crop protection and plant biotechnology solutions for the growing world. Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company and had annual global sales of $7.1 billion in 2013. Learn more at www.dowagro.com. Follow Dow AgroSciences on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.
DOW Diamond, Enlist, and Enlist Duo are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Enlist Duo herbicide is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state.
Always read and follow label directions.
Source: Dow AgroSciences LLC