The Arkansas Agriculture Department is working to keep Arkansans informed about dicamba laws and regulations as inspectors work to address an increasing number of alleged dicamba misuse complaints.  Governor Hutchinson has directed Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and Plant Board Director Terry Walker to visit areas where there have been complaints in order to report back to him with findings and recommendations. 

An online webpage has been established that will provide updated information to the public which will include the current number and county of alleged dicamba misuse complaints, frequently asked questions, links to pesticide training, and applicable regulations. The webpage is available at www.aad.arkansas.gov. Additionally, the Plant Board’s Pesticide Committee will hold weekly public meetings beginning June 16 through July 21 to stay updated on the situation.

“The Arkansas Agriculture Department is working to ensure that our inspectors have all the tools that they need to adequately investigate these complaints and we will be providing updates to the public as information becomes available,” says Ward. “Each year, field inspectors investigate complaints relating to alleged misuse of pesticides. There are currently 50 alleged dicamba misuse complaints for this year.  These complaints are under investigation and a final determination of the products that were used, or even if dicamba was involved, is not yet available.”

“The Plant Board has a system in place and is actively investigating the complaints that have been received. We encourage farmers to contact us with any potential misuse complaints,” says Walker.