Brett Bultemeier, Lauren Diepenbrock, and Ethan Carter, UF/IFAS Extension
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used primarily to control foliage and soil-borne insect pests. The status and availability of Chlorpyrifos has had numerous, and at times, confusing changes due to new rules, court rulings, and EPA decisions.
Some product formulations containing Chlorpyrifos are still allowed to be used (according to the label) on certain food crops. These products can continue to be used according to the label, although there will likely be changes to these labels soon. The EPA has identified the following 11 uses that it anticipates will be allowed in the future, albeit with changes to use pattern and exposure mitigation measures. The EPA intends to limit these products to the following uses: alfalfa, apple, asparagus, cherry (tart), citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, strawberry, sugar beet, wheat (spring), and wheat (winter). Furthermore, there are state limitations for these crop sites. In Florida, only the following crops will have tolerances and uses: citrus, cotton, peach, soybean, please note, strawberry is NOT on the allowed list.
Some product formulations containing Chlorpyrifos have been cancelled, BUT any product still in the user’s supply can be sprayed. These products can be used as the label directs on food crops until June 30th, 2025, at which point continued use would be banned. These products are unlikely to be available for sale, and finding alternatives to these products is advisable.
Ensure the products you are using are registered in the state of Florida and no additional restrictions are in place. Given the June 30th, 2025 cutoff on some products, the dramatic reduction of uses, and possible future changes, finding alternative pest control options for crops this season is advisable. For alternative insecticide options to chlorpyrifos use, refer to the crop production guides below, or contact your local extension office for more information. As these online management guides get updated, expect the removal of chlorpyrifos products (excluding cotton and soybean guides).
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For more information about these decisions refer to the federal register and the FAQ page EPA has established for these products.
Furthermore, the USDA and US EPA can help with any additional questions by reaching out to:
Clayton Myers – Clayton.Myers@usda.gov, or Kimberly Nesci – Kimberly.Nesci@usda.gov – Office of Pest Management Policy
Growers can also contact EPA – OPPChlorpyrifosInquiries@epa.gov
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Other Useful Links:
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Disposal/Operation Clean Sweep
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EPA Decision/Federal Register
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- 2025 Wiregrass Cover Crop Field Day – March 21 - March 14, 2025
- 2025 Panhandle Row Crop Short Course Highlights & Presentation Links - March 7, 2025
- Chlorpyrifos Insecticide Status - February 21, 2025