Herbicide is suspected of damaging other crops after drifting in the wind

EXCERPT: The only form of dicamba allowed in Arkansas is produced by the chemical company BASF. The only soybean varieties that are genetically resistant to dicamba are produced by Monsanto. A class action lawsuit was filed against both companies on behalf of Arkansas farmers in federal court in Jonesboro earlier this month.
—

Arkansas Plant Board approves dicamba ban

by Chris Hickey
UALR Public Radio
http://ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-plant-board-approves-dicamba-ban#stream/0

The Arkansas Plant Board on Friday voted 9-5 to ban the sale and use of the herbicide dicamba in the state. Dicamba is a chemical sprayed on genetically tolerant fields of soybean in order to kill pigweed. The herbicide is suspected of damaging other crops after drifting in the wind. At least 242 complaints in 19 counties linked to potential dicamba misuse have been filed with the Arkansas Plant Board this year. Most complaints have originated in east Arkansas.

The proposed emergency 120-day dicamba use ban would apply to all agricultural fields except for pastureland. To take effect, the rule still needs the approval of the governor and the Arkansas Legislative Council, says Arkansas Agriculture Department Spokeswoman Adriane Barnes:

“Governor Hutchinson has followed this issue closely and previously tasked Secretary [Wes] Ward and ASPB Director [Terry] Walker with visiting farmers in areas with heavy dicamba damage. Governor Hutchinson will be conducting a thorough review of the proposed rule as soon as possible.

“The Governor reviews rules pursuant to Executive Order 15-02, which ensures that the rules do not place an unnecessary burden on business. This is the scope under which the Governor will decide whether the ASPB may proceed with the promulgation process. Also, the Governor only approves the rule for promulgation. It is up to the Executive Subcommittee [of the Arkansas Legislative Council] to approve the rule as effective.”

The only form of dicamba allowed in Arkansas is produced by the chemical company BASF. The only soybean varieties that are genetically resistant to dicamba are produced by Monsanto. A class action lawsuit was filed against both companies on behalf of Arkansas farmers in federal court in Jonesboro earlier this month.

The Plant Board had been scheduled to decide on a dicamba ban at an emergency meeting on Tuesday, but a procedural error delayed the vote, Barnes said.

More info on issues with dicamba here:
http://www.arkansas-crops.com/2017/06/12/reports-dicamba-pouring/