The Colorado and Nebraska Departments of Agriculture requested emergency exemptions for use of metamitron on ...

The Colorado and Nebraska Departments of Agriculture requested emergency exemptions for use of metamitron on sugar beets to control problematic weed populations of Palmar amaranth, that are not controlled by the available registered pesticides. The departments stated that significant economic losses would be suffered without adequate control of this weed. EPA determined that emergency conditions exist, and authorized specific exemptions through December 31, 2027.

When emergency exemptions are requested, the EPA must follow a procedure found in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The process requires them to review the projected exposure to the chemical, safety for children, and aggregate risks. Based on their assessment, the tolerance for the exemption was set at 0.01 ppm.

While metamitron is now approved for use on sugar beets in Nebraska to control Palmer amaranth, the exemption is temporary. This tolerance expires on December 31, 2027, and the EPA has been clear that this is not a sign the herbicide will be registered for use on sugar beets. Nonetheless, for now we have one more tool added to the crop protection toolbox to fight Palmer amaranth.

We are thankful that the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is addressing the needs of farmers in the state and advocating for them to the federal government. While they are a regulatory agency, the current administration understands the needs of the agricultural community and how important they are to the state. Palmer amaranth continues to be a major problem, and we are grateful the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is helping us fight the issue.

You may read full details on the federal register page. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kole Pederson, Director of Environmental & Regulatory Affairs, at [email protected].