In April 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the registration of chlormequat chloride for the first food uses to provide farmers with an additional tool to help increase crop yield. Before registering these uses, EPA will establish tolerances in or on barley, oat, triticale, and wheat.

What is Chlormequat Chloride?

Chlormequat chloride is currently registered for use as a plant growth regulator (PGR) in ornamentals grown in greenhouses and nurseries. As a PGR, chlormequat chloride application decreases the height of the grain plant stem, resulting in reduced lodging and potentially increased grain yield. Compared to other PGRs with similar use patterns, chlormequat allows for more flexibility in application timing, resulting in greater ease of use for small grain producers.

Is Chlormequat Chloride Safe for Human Health and the Environment?

However, before issuing this proposed registration decision, EPA assessed whether exposures to this product would cause unreasonable adverse effects on human health and the environment. Based on EPA’s human health and ecological risk assessments, there are no dietary, residential, or aggregate risks of concern to non-target, non-listed aquatic vertebrates that are listed under the Endangered Species Act, aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic and terrestrial plants.

Proposed Mitigation Measures

To address potential risks of concern to occupational workers as well as birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and terrestrial invertebrates, the agency is proposing mitigation measures:

• Requiring personal protective equipment such as long-sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, shoes and waterproof or chemical-resistant gloves to address occupational risks of concern;
• Requiring 24-hour restricted entry intervals, including posting signs at all reasonably expected points of worker entry to the treated area to address occupational risks of concern; and
• Requiring a mandatory and advisory spray drift management statement to address ecological risks of concern.

How Can REACH24H Help

As a consulting company, we advise our clients to pay attention to the proposed registration of chlormequat chloride and its potential impact on their operations. The proposal is available for public comment for 30 days in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-0290 at www.regulations.gov until May 26, 2023. Our team of experts is available to provide guidance and support to clients who may be affected by this regulatory change.

Visit our website (https://www.reach24h.com/en/agrochemicals) to learn more about our services and how we can assist you. Contact us today at customer@reach24h.com to speak with one of our experts and take the first step towards securing your business.