- The Oregon Department of Agriculture has requested an exemption from the EPA to use the pesticide metamitron on sugar beets to control the invasive weed, Palmer amaranth.
- This request is part of a broader application from several states, including Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, and Wyoming, to treat a total of 116,902 acres of sugar beets.
- In Oregon, the proposed treatment area is 1,629 acres, with applications planned between April 1 and May 31, 2025.
- Metamitron is a new chemical that has not yet been registered by the EPA, and its use is being considered under emergency conditions due to insufficient means to control Palmer amaranth.
- The EPA is currently soliciting public comments on this exemption request before making a decision.
- Local agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers may be affected by this decision.
- The EPA aims to ensure environmental justice by considering any potential disproportionate impacts on minority or low-income populations.
- Public comments are open until November 12, 2024, and can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.
Impact of Proposed Pesticide Use on Sugar Beets in Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, and Wyoming
- The Departments of Agriculture in Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, and Wyoming have joined Oregon in requesting an exemption from the EPA to use the pesticide metamitron on sugar beets to combat the invasive weed Palmer amaranth.
- In these states, the proposed treatment areas are significantly larger, with Nebraska planning to treat 47,025 acres, Wyoming 31,380 acres, Colorado 22,468 acres, and Idaho 14,400 acres.
- The exemption is sought as an emergency measure to prevent economic losses due to the lack of effective control methods for Palmer amaranth, which threatens sugar beet crops.
- The EPA’s decision will consider public comments on the environmental and health impacts of metamitron, with the comment period open until November 12, 2024.
- The outcome of this decision could have significant implications for local agricultural economies and environmental health in these states.
To view the original document on the Federal Register, click here.