In February, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a formal notice of its intent to cancel the insecticide flubendiamide, or Belt. Belt is currently registered for use on more than 200 crops, including almonds, on which it is most commonly used for navel orangeworm and peach twig borer control. The cancellation was to become final March 30 unless there was a formal objection filed during the 30-day period following the notice.
Bayer CropScience, the registrant, has filed an objection, which has triggered a formal review of EPA’s decision. While it is under review, distributors, retailers and farmers can continue to buy, sell and use the product in their operations. U.S. and global tolerances are not and will not be affected by these proceedings. However, if EPA’s cancellation holds, then sales of the product, at least by the manufacturer, will likely cease.
The issues behind this standoff are complex scientifically and legally and have policy implications for pesticide regulation. Meanwhile, the Almond Hullers and Processors Association is reviewing the options to ensure that a fair and science-based process is maintained with this complex legal issue.
The almond industry will continue to comply with all rules and regulations and work closely with the EPA and California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation to ensure the safety and health of our crop as well as surrounding communities.
As a leader in the adoption of integrated pest management, the almond industry has funded pest control research for more than 40 years, which has led to the development of research-based and comprehensive integrated pest management guidelines, as well as the almond industry’s Good Agricultural Practices — all of which provide specific recommendations for pesticide use.
