The Trump administration has re-approved the use of dicamba, a controversial pesticide previously banned twice by federal courts, reigniting fierce opposition from environmental organisations and health-focused activists.
On Friday, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorised dicamba for over-the-top spraying on genetically modified cotton and soybean crops, reversing court rulings from 2020 and 2024 that struck down earlier approvals of the weedkiller.
The EPA said the decision followed sustained pressure from cotton and soybean farmers, particularly those in the US Cotton Belt, who argue that dicamba is essential for combating herbicide-resistant weeds.
“This decision responds directly to the strong advocacy of America’s cotton and soybean farmers,” the EPA said, adding that growers face “critical challenges” without access to the chemical.
Dicamba Drift and Farm Damage Concerns Resurface
Dicamba has long been criticised for its tendency to drift, a process where the pesticide volatilises in hot weather and spreads beyond targeted fields, damaging neighbouring farms, home gardens, trees, and native plants.
A 2020 federal court ruling found dicamba caused damage across millions of acres and “tore apart the social fabric of many farming communities.”
While the EPA acknowledged these risks, it insisted new restrictions — including reduced application rates and temperature limits — make the pesticide safe.
Bayer Welcomes Approval, Plans Nationwide Rollout
Agribusiness giant Bayer, which acquired dicamba through its purchase of Monsanto, welcomed the re-approval and confirmed the chemical will be marketed as “Stryax.”
“With a federal registration in hand, we’ll begin seeking state approvals,” said Ty Witten, Bayer’s vice president of commercial stewardship. He added that the company would launch applicator training and stewardship programmes to limit misuse.
Environmental Groups, MAHA Activists Push Back
Environmental advocates rejected the EPA’s safeguards as inadequate, noting that the approval allows year-round use, including during peak summer heat.
“They’re prioritising polluting companies over public health,” said Nathan Donley, environmental health science director at the Centre for Biological Diversity, accusing the EPA of being dominated by former industry lobbyists.
The move also alarmed supporters of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement linked to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kelly Ryerson, a MAHA activist who previously petitioned for EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to resign over pesticide policies, said the decision undermines President Trump’s health agenda.
“This is clearly the work of chemical lobbyists now embedded throughout the EPA,” she said.
Molecular toxicologist Alexandra Munoz warned the decision would worsen pesticide drift and harm efforts to promote regenerative agriculture.
“EPA’s approval will result in poisonous drift that damages American farmland and moves us farther away from making America healthy again.”
