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Corteva to stop production of chlorpyrifos

Corteva AgriScience says it will stop making chlorpyrifos (klor-peer-ih-foss) insecticide by years end. In a statement given to Brownfield, Corteva calls it a “strategic business decision” because of falling sales of the chemical. The state of California stopped sales of chlorpyrifos this week.

Corteva says its customers “will have access to enough chlorpyrifos supply to cover current demand through the end of the year, while they transition to other products or other providers.” Corteva is the top maker of the insecticide. Environmental groups claim it causes neurological problems and are suing the EPA for denying a petition to ban it.

Corteva Statement: Corteva Agriscience has one of the largest and most diverse product pipelines in the industry with multiple exciting, upcoming brand launches.  Demand for one of our long-standing products, chlorpyrifos, has declined significantly over the last two decades, particularly in the U.S.  Due to this reduced demand, Corteva has made the strategic business decision to phase out our production of chlorpyrifos in 2020.  We are committed to continuing to support our farmers and invest in products they need.  Our customers will have access to enough chlorpyrifos supply to cover current demand through the end of the year, while they transition to other products or other providers.  Our customers, shareholders and employees will benefit by redeploying our resources.