The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is teaming with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help farmers manage the increasing dilemma of herbicide resistant weeds.
The USDA announced in its release the following diverse steps to address herbicide resistant weeds:
• USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will offer financial assistance under its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for herbicide resistant weed control practices that utilize Integrated Pest Management plans and practices.
• Later this year, NRCS will solicit proposals under the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program for conservation systems that address herbicide resistant weeds.
• USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will actively promote use of best management practices (BMPs) in design protocols for regulated authorized releases of genetically engineered (GE) crops and will include recommendations for BMPs with the authorization of field trials of HR crops.
• USDA is partnering with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and is providing funds to develop education and outreach materials for various stakeholders on managing herbicide–resistant weeds. The Secretary has directed Dr. Sheryl Kunickis, director of the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, as the point person leading this effort with the USDA.
The issue of herbicide resistant weeds has become one of increasing importance for agriculture and the USDA will continue to work to ensure that growers have the diverse tools they need to address the management of herbicide resistant weeds.