Soy growers have expressed concerns about new label and application requirements for a valuable herbicide that could come with a high price to growers and their operations.

Paraquat is an effective resistance management and soil-saving tool for soybean farmers across the country and especially in Southern states. It is extremely important for no-till and conservation tillage systems where problems have arisen with weeds that are resistant to glyphosate, triazines, sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, diphenyl ethers and other herbicide products.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) sent comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week regarding its proposed Paraquat changes.

“ASA supports the Agency’s focus on stewardship and training and additional label language on toxicity. We do have concerns about two of the new label requirements: the closed system requirement and the restriction to be sprayed by certified applicators only, both proposed for implementation in 2018,” ASA states. “Most farmers have little to no experience with using closed systems, and will be required to purchase new equipment. Education and outreach will need to take place in order for farmers to follow this new requirement and in all likelihood it will not significantly change the inherent risk to growers making applications.”

The 2012 Census of Agriculture found that 173 million acres — or 62 percent — of U.S. tillable acres used no-till or conservation tillage practices. The non-selective herbicides, including paraquat, used in conservation tillage scenarios continually save precious topsoil every year in the United States.

ASA also stated that requiring specific paraquat certified applicators (PCA) to apply the product will severely restrict the ability of certain soybean farmers to use this tool.

“Soybean farmers take their stewardship responsibility seriously and understand that following the label is required by law,” ASA states. “We will work cooperatively with industry and the EPA to help soybean farmers remain in compliance, but we urge EPA to carefully consider each new and differing requirement that is imposed upon farmers.”

Click here to read the entire letter.