BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — News last week that the U.S. EPA registered the Enlist Duo herbicide to help manage resistant weeds was met with widespread approval by farmers, farm organizations and those within the agricultural chemical industry.

The Oct. 15 announcement that an herbicide containing 2,4-D and glyphosate was approved for use on corn and soybeans in six states – with new restrictions – was quickly followed by a USDA press release announcing several steps it will take to address the increase of herbicide-resistant weeds in U.S. agricultural systems.

"Enlist herbicide has now been registered for use in 2,4-D-tolerant crops. 2,4-D-tolerant crops are a new biotech trait that allows crops to tolerate the application of 2,4-D, which they could not in the past," explained Jean Payne, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Assoc. (IFCA).

"This is a major technology that’s going to help control the weeds that are glyphosate-resistant now. We’ve always got to be thinking about new technology. This represents another tool for farmers to manage (weeds) that become detrimental to their income."

With the registration of Enlist Duo, the United States joins Canada, Mexico, Japan and 26 European Union members in approving the product for use as an herbicide. Enlist Duo, a proprietary blend of 2,4-D choline and glyphosate, was developed during years of research and testing by Dow AgroSciences of Indianapolis before gaining final EPA approval.

"Our company is uniquely positioned to answer the need for new, innovative weed control technology," said Tim Hassinger, Dow AgroSciences president. "With our leading biotech capability and strong chemistry heritage, we designed a breakthrough solution utilizing both traits and herbicides. The Enlist system is an extremely effective tool, and is tailored for the way farmers work today."

Enlist Duo registration was supported by a spectrum of national, regional and state farm groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation. "Nearly everyone in agriculture supported bringing this new technology to the marketplace, particularly when you can assure it is being done safely, which is a big part of what the EPA registration process ensures," said Payne, who has lobbied for Enlist Duo registration for more than five years.

The EPA noted the decision to register the product reflected a "large body of science and an understanding of the risk of pesticides to human health and the environment." The agency stated it evaluated potential health risks to all age groups and took into account exposures through water, food, drift and home use, along with ecological risks.

The EPA’s assessments confirmed that using Enlist Duo to control weeds in corn and soybeans genetically engineered to tolerate 2,4-D and glyphosate meet the safety standards for product registration and, as approved, will "be protective" of the public, farm workers the environment and wildlife.

"Dow had to produce a tremendous amount of scientific literature and testing, and they sought approval for years. Like with registering any pesticide, there is huge amount of effort required," Payne said.

EPA is registering Enlist Duo for immediate use in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, the agency is accepting comments until Nov. 14 on whether to register the product for use in 10 other states.

Payne said Enlist Duo will be a valuable tool for farmers as soon as the 2015 crop season.

In the meantime, the IFCA will fill a valuable role in educating producers and ag chemical retailers on best practices when handling and applying the herbicide. "We’ll continue to work with our retailers and farmers on proper application techniques to ensure that good stewardship is followed," said Payne, adding the IFCA will update its online pesticide application training course to offer instruction on proper mixing, cleanup and drift control for Enlist Duo.

"It’s always in the best interests of everyone involved to be cognizant of stewardship when we have a new technology available to us."

As part of its decision, EPA outlined new provisions Dow AgroSciences must adhere to regarding the establishment of its own stewardship program for users of the Enlist Duo product. Following the registration announcement, the USDA, along with EPA, announced new steps to help farmers manage herbicide resistant weeds in a more holistic and sustainable way:

•USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will offer financial assistance under EQIP for herbicide-resistant weed control practices that use Integrated Pest Management plans and practices

•NRCS will begin soliciting proposals under the Conservation Innovation Grants program for innovative conservation systems that address herbicide-resistant weeds

•USDA-APHIS will promote use of best management practices in design protocols for regulated authorized releases of genetically engineered crops

•USDA will partner with the Weed Science Society of America, providing funds to develop education and outreach materials for various stakeholders on the management of herbicide-resistant weeds

"Weed control in major crops is almost entirely accomplished with herbicides today," said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The EPA’s final regulatory decision document is at www.regulations.gov in Docket No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0195.