EPA Approves Sulfoxaflor Label Amendments for California

What: The EPA’s approval introduces specific Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) and buffer zones around treated areas to safeguard 21 listed species and nine critical habitats in California from spray drift. The key provisions include a 65-foot buffer for ground applications and a 200-foot buffer for aerial applications.

Where: These mitigations apply across 51 counties in California, including agricultural regions in counties like Fresno, Monterey, and Los Angeles. San Diego County, despite not being fully included in the primary list, has special mitigations for critical habitats of certain species such as the Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia).

Why: The amendments come in response to EPA’s 2023 Biological Evaluation (BE) of sulfoxaflor, which predicted potential jeopardy to endangered species through spray drift, particularly affecting terrestrial plants reliant on insect pollination and invertebrates. After public consultations and further analysis, Corteva and the EPA agreed on these mitigation measures to reduce the potential for species harm while allowing continued agricultural use of sulfoxaflor.

How: EPA has ensured compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by integrating these protective measures into the product labels, meaning all sulfoxaflor products distributed in California after October 7, 2024, must bear the updated labeling. Corteva must adhere to additional requirements if further modifications are identified during ongoing consultations with wildlife services.

Key Details of the New Amendments

1. Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs) and Buffer Zones

To minimize the likelihood of jeopardy to endangered species, Sequoia CA and Transform CA insecticides must adhere to buffer zones:

• 65-foot buffer for ground applications to reduce drift impacts on nearby habitats.
• 200-foot buffer for aerial applications, ensuring reduced exposure in high-risk areas.

2. Species and Habitat Protection

Sulfoxaflor's risks are particularly high for 21 species of plants and invertebrates in California, including species that depend on insect pollination. Additionally, nine critical habitats have been identified as at risk for adverse modification, necessitating these restrictions in areas with significant agricultural activity.

3. EPA and Corteva’s Commitment to Conservation

EPA will continue working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to ensure compliance with all federal regulations under the ESA. Corteva has agreed to update labeling as necessary based on future evaluations.

Implications for Farmers and Industry

The amended labeling allows the continued use of sulfoxaflor in California’s agriculture sector, which relies heavily on this insecticide for managing pests in crops such as alfalfa, citrus fruits, and cotton. However, growers must now follow stricter application guidelines to avoid penalties.

The EPA's approval of these amendments reflects a balance between agricultural needs and environmental conservation. By implementing robust measures to protect endangered species while allowing controlled use of sulfoxaflor, the agency ensures both ecological preservation and agricultural productivity.