The State Plant Board will meet on January 3rd, 2018 to consider potential revisions to previously proposed regulatory changes for the application of products labeled for agricultural use that contain dicamba in Arkansas.  The meetings are being scheduled in response to a request by the Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council.  Potential revisions will be discussed at a Pesticide Committee meeting that will begin at 10:00 followed by a full board meeting that will begin at 1:00. Find the meeting agendas, here.
 
The Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council will meet again on January 16 to consider the outcome of the State Plant Boards’ meetings.  The meeting agenda can be found here.

Background:
The State Plant Board voted on November 8th during a public hearing and board meeting to approve regulatory changes for the application of products labeled for agricultural use that contain dicamba in Arkansas.  The proposed rule will prohibit the use of dicamba in Arkansas between April 16 and October 31.  Regulations include exemptions for the use of dicamba in pastures, rangeland, turf, ornamental, direct injection for forestry, and home use. Read the entire proposed rule, here
 
On December 12, the Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council considered the Plant Board’s proposed regulatory changes for the application of products labeled for agriculture use that contain dicamba in Arkansas.  At the meeting the committee approved a motion that the proposed rule be held for final consideration and recommended that the Arkansas State Plant Board consider its current rule and revise the rule using:  1) scientific-based evidence; 2) a dividing line to create north and south zones; and 3) ambient temperature and humidity applicable to temperature inversion during night-time hours.