Dicamba Once Again Approved for Tolerant Crops but Without Aerial Application

Last week the EPA approved, for the third time, the use of low volatility formulations of dicamba for applications on dicamba tolerant crops (DT), both soybeans and cotton. The approval is for the 2026 growing season, but there is concern that the decision came too late for many growers who’ve already finalized their plans for 2026.

Last year, when the proposal for this latest attempt to register these dicamba products was released, NAAA commented in favor of allowing aerial application of these dicamba formulations on DT crops. Aerial application of dicamba on DT crops has been prohibited from the initial registration onward, including the 2025 proposed approval. NAAA’s request was supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), whose comments to the EPA also urged the agency to allow aerial applications of dicamba on DT crops. AFBF cited the speed of manned aerial application and the ability to treat more acres than any other application platform in a short time period as the key reasons why aerial application of dicamba should be approved.

Unfortunately, EPA did not listen to NAAA or AFBF and continued the prohibition of aerial application of dicamba on DT crops with this new approval. Despite the setback, NAAA will continue to push EPA to allow aerial applications for all pesticides our grower customers need to control pests and protect their yield.