Press Releases

Washington, DC – Earlier today, Congressmen Mark Alford (MO-04) and Don Davis (NC-01) led 32 of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter regarding recent decisions vacating the use of the herbicide, Dicamba handed down by the United States District Court for Arizona. The letter asks the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to appeal the court’s decision and seek a stay of the ruling pending approval.

The letter specifically says:

“The decision from the District Court came at an inopportune time for farmers across the country who had already begun purchasing seeds and herbicides for this growing season or—in some areas—had already begun planting. While the existing stocks order provides short-term certainty for this growing season, it is important that growers have access to these products in future growing seasons. It is estimated that more than 50 million acres of dicamba-tolerant soybean and cotton will be planted this growing season. As such, the impacts from the District Court’s decision will be felt both domestically and globally in future growing seasons as the United States is one of the world’s leading soybean and cotton producers, a leading soybean exporter, and the leading cotton exporter.”

The letter was co-signed by the following representatives (32):

• Don Bacon
• James Baird
• Andy Barr
• Sanford Bishop
• Jerry Carl
• Ben Cline
• James Comer
• Scott DesJarlais
• Ron Estes
• Mike Ezell
• Randy Feenstra
• Brad Finstad
• Michelle Fischbach
• Mike Flood
• Michael Guest
• Ashley Hinson
• Erin Houchin
• Dusty Johnson
• Trent Kelly
• Jennifer Kiggans
• David Kustoff
• Jake LaTurner
• Tracey Mann
• Mary Miller
• Max Miller
• Barry Moore
• Gary Palmer
• Mike Rogers
• John Rose
• Austin Scott
• Jason Smith
• Ann Wagner

Congressman Alford issued the following statement:

"I was extremely disappointed in the federal court's ruling last week to vacate all uses of dicamba. This decision comes at a time when producers across America have already begun making critical planting decisions for the 2024 season. It is of the utmost importance that our growers have access to vital crop protection tools like dicamba. Which is why I'm pleased the EPA acted swiftly to issue an existing stocks order. 

Further, I urge EPA to appeal the court's decision immediately to ensure our soybean and cotton farmers have continued access to reliable and cost-effective tools to feed, clothe and fuel the world. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort and hope to see the EPA act as soon as possible" 

Congressman Davis added:

"Cotton and soybean farmers in eastern North Carolina rely on dicamba over-the-top products to ensure weeds do not ruin their crops. We need a long-term solution, and I stand ready to work with the EPA for the greater good of our local cotton and soybean farmers."

Missouri Soybean Association President, Renee Fordyce said:

“Missouri soybean farmers greatly appreciate the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent ruling and consideration of our industry’s joint letter. This order will give farmers and supply chains the certainty they need to receive and use integral inputs they already ordered. Farmers would be stranded without essential weed management tools this growing season without this order. We actively advise EPA to appeal the District Court’s decision and protect our farmers.”

Austin Littleton of the Cotton Producers of Missouri added:

“While we are thankful for EPA’s existing stocks order, which offers immediate relief from last week’s devastating court ruling, our farmers need longer-term certainty to stay afloat. Given the stakes, the Cotton Producers of Missouri commends Representatives Alford and Davis for bringing attention to this issue, and we echo their request to Administrator Regan for an immediate appeal.”

Media inquiries for Rep. Alford should be directed to Austin Higginbotham at Austin.Higginbotham@mail.house.gov.