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Groups expect court ruling on chlorpyrifos soon

Some ag groups are anxiously awaiting a court decision that could restore the use of a pesticide banned by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Luther Markwart with the American Sugarbeet Association tells Brownfield EPA revoked the registration for chlorpyrifos in 2021 and their case was finally heard in mid-December.

“EPA essentially said it’s safe for 11 crops, you can go ahead and use it, that was their original position, but then they decided to get rid of it for everything,” he says.

He says agriculture needs to better work with companies who hold registrations to maintain the tools they need for pest control.

“There are some other products out there but they aren’t nearly as effective as chlorpyrifos was,” he says.

The organization is joined by 20 ag groups in the suit.

Brownfield’s Carah Hart interviewed Markwart during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Washington Watch where he also expressed concern for a stronger safety net in the next farm bill.