Update: This story has been updated to show the latest information from EPA.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig on June 9 issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s cancellation order on three dicamba product registrations. This announcement comes after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit vacated the EPA’s dicamba product registration on June 3.

“I’m very disappointed in the 9th Circuit Court’s decision to overturn the EPA’s approval of dicamba products,” Naig said. “The court’s decision has left farmers without a critical weed management tool at the same time they are treating growing crops. I’m grateful that EPA recognized the hardship this places on our farmers and issued an order allowing them to use existing stocks to finish out the 2020 growing season.”

The EPA’s order addresses the sale, distribution and use of existing stocks of XtendiMax with vapor grip technology, Engenia and Fexapan.

Related:EPA issues a key order for farmers in dicamba case

Dicamba is an important weed management tool that Iowa farmers use to protect their crops against water hemp, a weed commonly found in Iowa fields. Iowa State University has provided a list of alternative herbicide products farmers can use this growing season. Farmers can also consult with their ag retailer or supplier to identify additional weed management solutions.

More details about the EPA’s regulatory guidance can be found at epa.gov. A court ruling on June 3 to revoke federal registration for three dicamba herbicide products has created confusion for farmers, applicators and others using these products in weed management programs.