The EPA’s final Herbicide Strategy offers more mitigation options than its July 2023 draft while still protecting endangered species. The strategy reduces mitigation requirements for applicators who have already implemented measures like cover crops, conservation tillage, windbreaks, and adjuvants to minimize pesticide drift and runoff.

Some measures, like berms, may fully address runoff concerns, eliminating the need for additional steps. The strategy was developed through collaboration with the USDA and includes feedback from agricultural groups. It emphasizes that applicators who work with specialists or participate in conservation programs are more effective at reducing pesticide runoff.

Geographic factors, like farming on flat lands or in dry climates, may also reduce mitigation needs. The strategy aims to focus herbicide restrictions only where necessary without imposing new requirements, but soybean growers are concerned about its complexity, costs, and feasibility.

American Soybean Association President Josh Gackle expressed disappointment that the EPA left so many opportunities on the table to make this strategy workable for U.S. agriculture.

Read more on the EPA’s final herbicide strategy here.