Sep 6, 2023NPC asks for comment period extension on herbicide strategy proposal
The National Potato Council has requested an extension of the EPA’s draft herbicide strategy comment period, citing the volume and complexity of the proposal.
The original 60-day comment period is to close on Sept. 20. The NPC asked for an extension of at least 90 days.
“The draft herbicide strategy reflects an approach that will have potential widespread impacts on potato production, as herbicides are widely used by growers,” the NPC said in a letter (.pdf) to the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs. “Overall, if finalized as proposed, the approach reflected in the draft herbicide strategy will likely result in significant burdens for growers throughout the country because of having to address additional restrictions, including, in some cases, resulting in being unable to use the herbicide tools they need to address their pest problems.
“Obviously, this will have significant negative economic consequences for their farm operations.”
NPC said it is working with its pesticide advisory committees to develop an understanding of the full effects of the proposed regulations to potato production across the country.
The draft herbicide strategy and associated documents are available online.
