Trump Administration Approves Dicamba Weed Killer for Genetically Modified Crops

EPA says the pesticide is crucial for farmers battling fast-growing weeds, but critics argue it will increase harm and expand its application.

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 protections and limits on its use, but advocates argue the restrictions are insufficient and will perpetuate the harm caused by the chemical.

Why it matters

Dicamba has been a controversial pesticide due to its ability to drift and damage crops that have not been genetically engineered to withstand it. This decision by the Trump administration to allow its continued use on two of the most common genetically modified crops will likely lead to a significant increase in the amount of dicamba applied, raising concerns about its environmental and health impacts.

The details

The EPA says dicamba is crucial for farmers battling fast-growing weeds, and that it has imposed strict limits on its use, including restrictions on application rates, hot weather conditions, and buffer zones. However, critics argue these restrictions are insufficient and will allow the pesticide to continue damaging nearby crops, trees, and other plants. Environmental groups say dicamba drift has already devastated large swaths of acreage, and that the EPA is prioritizing the pesticide industry over public health and the environment.

  • The EPA approved the use of dicamba on genetically modified soybeans and cotton on February 7, 2026.
  • In 2020 and 2024, courts blocked similar efforts by the EPA to allow expanded use of dicamba.

The players

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides and protecting human health and the environment.

Kelly Ryerson

An activist with the Make American Healthy Again movement, which has forged a fragile political allegiance with the Trump administration.

American Soybean Association

A trade organization that represents soybean farmers and applauded the EPA's decision to reapprove dicamba.

Center for Biological Diversity

A nonprofit environmental organization that criticized the EPA's decision, saying the agency is willing to "bend over backward to appease the pesticide industry."

Bayer

A manufacturer of dicamba that said the federal registration will allow them to now seek state approvals and launch training for applicators.

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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 launch training for applicators in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This decision by the Trump administration to reapprove dicamba for use on genetically modified soybeans and cotton raises significant concerns about the pesticide's environmental and health impacts, despite the EPA's claims that it has imposed strong protections. The move is seen by critics as prioritizing the interests of the pesticide industry over public welfare, and will likely lead to a substantial increase in dicamba's use and the associated harm to nearby crops, ecosystems, and potentially human health.