EPA Reapproves Dicamba Weed Killer for GM Crops

The controversial pesticide has been linked to crop damage and health concerns.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Environmental Protection Agency has reapproved the use of the weed killer dicamba on genetically modified soybeans and cotton, despite concerns over its tendency to drift and damage nearby crops. The agency says it has imposed strong restrictions to ensure safe use, but advocates argue the new limits are insufficient to prevent harm.

Why it matters

Dicamba has been a source of controversy in recent years, with lawsuits and court battles over its use. This decision by the EPA to reapprove it for two of the most common GM crops will significantly expand its application, raising concerns about the chemical's environmental and health impacts.

The details

The EPA says dicamba is critical for farmers to control destructive weeds, but it acknowledges concerns about the pesticide's tendency to drift. To address this, the agency says it has imposed limits on application rates, hot-weather use, and buffer zones. However, environmental groups argue these restrictions are inadequate and will still allow widespread damage to nearby crops, trees, and other plants.

  • The EPA reapproved dicamba for use on GM soybeans and cotton on February 6, 2026.
  • In 2020 and 2024, courts had blocked similar efforts by the EPA to allow expanded dicamba use.

The players

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment, which has reapproved the use of dicamba on genetically modified crops.

Make American Healthy Again (MAHA)

An activist movement that has forged a political alliance with the Trump administration, and which has criticized the EPA's decision to reapprove dicamba.

Kelly Ryerson

An activist with the Make American Healthy Again movement who expressed disappointment with the EPA's decision.

American Soybean Association

An industry group that applauded the EPA's decision, saying clear rules will help farmers prepare for the next growing season and control destructive weeds.

Center for Biological Diversity

An environmental nonprofit that criticized the EPA for appeasing the pesticide industry despite the consequences to public health and the environment.

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What they’re saying

“A top priority of mine was to have the use of Dicamba for over-the-top applications permanently discontinued because' of their harm. New restrictions on use are not sufficient, and will perpetuate the chemical treadmill where many farmers are trapped.”

— Kelly Ryerson, Activist, Make American Healthy Again

“When push comes to shove, this administration is willing to bend over backward to appease the pesticide industry, regardless of the consequences to public health or the environment.”

— Nathan Donley, Environmental Health Science Director, Center for Biological Diversity

What’s next

Bayer, a manufacturer of dicamba, said the federal registration will allow them to now seek state approvals, and they'll launch training for applicators in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This decision to reapprove dicamba for use on two of the most common genetically modified crops will significantly expand the pesticide's application, raising serious concerns about its environmental and health impacts despite the EPA's claims of new restrictions. The ongoing debate over dicamba highlights the tensions between supporting farmers and protecting the broader ecosystem and public health.