FAQ for Ag Retailers: EPA 2026–2027 OTT Dicamba Registration
Is over-the-top dicamba still legal?
Yes. EPA approved OTT dicamba use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans for the 2026 and 2027
growing seasons only, under significantly stricter label requirements.
Yes. EPA approved OTT dicamba use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans for the 2026 and 2027
growing seasons only, under significantly stricter label requirements.
How long does this approval last?
The approval is limited to two growing seasons. EPA will review performance, incident reports, and
compliance data before making any future decisions.
The approval is limited to two growing seasons. EPA will review performance, incident reports, and
compliance data before making any future decisions.
What are the biggest changes compared to the prior label?
The annual application rate is cut in half, temperature-based limits restrict when and how much acreage
can be treated, conservation practices are mandatory, and additive requirements have increased.
The annual application rate is cut in half, temperature-based limits restrict when and how much acreage
can be treated, conservation practices are mandatory, and additive requirements have increased.
Can multiple applications be made?
Yes, but they are limited to a maximum of two OTT applications per year at reduced rates, for a total
annual maximum of 1.0 lb of dicamba per acre.
Yes, but they are limited to a maximum of two OTT applications per year at reduced rates, for a total
annual maximum of 1.0 lb of dicamba per acre.
How do the temperature restrictions work?
If forecasted temperatures are 85–95°F, only 50% of untreated dicamba-tolerant acres in a county may
be treated per day. If temperatures are forecasted to be 95°F or higher, no applications are allowed.
If forecasted temperatures are 85–95°F, only 50% of untreated dicamba-tolerant acres in a county may
be treated per day. If temperatures are forecasted to be 95°F or higher, no applications are allowed.
Are conservation practices now required?
Yes. Growers must achieve at least 3 conservation mitigation points per field, and up to 6 points in
certain Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs), using EPA-approved practices.
Yes. Growers must achieve at least 3 conservation mitigation points per field, and up to 6 points in
certain Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs), using EPA-approved practices.
Who is allowed to apply OTT dicamba?
Only certified applicators who complete mandatory annual dicamba-specific training may apply these
products.
Only certified applicators who complete mandatory annual dicamba-specific training may apply these
products.
What happens if label requirements are not followed?
Dicamba labels are enforceable under FIFRA. Violations can result in civil penalties, loss of applicator
certification, and in serious cases, criminal enforcement.
Dicamba labels are enforceable under FIFRA. Violations can result in civil penalties, loss of applicator
certification, and in serious cases, criminal enforcement.
Why is EPA emphasizing enforcement so strongly?
EPA has stated that continued misuse could result in further restrictions or revocation. Compliance is
critical to maintaining access to the product.
critical to maintaining access to the product.
What should retailers emphasize to growers?
This is not business as usual. Successful use requires careful planning, strict compliance, and
integration with other weed management tools.
This is not business as usual. Successful use requires careful planning, strict compliance, and
integration with other weed management tools.
What role do retailers play under this new label?
Retailers are key partners in education, planning, documentation support, and reinforcing compliance
to protect growers and the future availability of weed-control tools.
Retailers are key partners in education, planning, documentation support, and reinforcing compliance
to protect growers and the future availability of weed-control tools.