Corteva Agriscience Cancels 'Enlist Duo' Herbicide Amid Health Concerns

Corteva Agriscience has announced the decision to discontinue its herbicide 'Enlist Duo', a combination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and glyphosate, following years of litigation and advocacy from environmental groups. The cancellation comes as the Center for Food Safety (CFS) has long argued that the herbicide poses significant health risks, including cancer, and environmental damage. Corteva stated that demand for 'Enlist Duo' has dwindled to less than 1% of total U.S. Enlist sales, prompting the decision to cease production and sales.

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'Enlist Duo' was first approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2014, despite widespread opposition and scientific warnings regarding its safety. The herbicide's components, 2,4-D and glyphosate, have been linked to various health issues, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and increased risks of pediatric leukemia. The World Health Organization classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015. The CFS has been actively challenging the herbicide's approval since 2015, culminating in a motion for summary judgment last year, which deemed the re-approval illegal.

Newsweek

Research indicates that both 2,4-D and glyphosate are associated with serious health risks. A 2020 study linked 2,4-D exposure to increased oxidative stress, while other studies have highlighted its connection to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Environmental concerns have also been raised, with reports of nearly 300 incidents of spray drift involving 2,4-D, which can adversely affect neighboring crops and ecosystems. Kristina Sinclair, an attorney at CFS, criticized the EPA for failing to adequately evaluate the herbicide's potential effects and for relying on outdated data in its assessments.

Newsweek

Critics argue that the EPA's approval process for 'Enlist Duo' was fundamentally flawed. Sinclair pointed out that the agency overstated the benefits of the herbicide, claiming it was effective against herbicide-resistant weeds, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The EPA's mitigation measures have also been criticized for potentially exacerbating the adverse effects of the herbicide on public health and the environment.

Newsweek

While the cancellation of 'Enlist Duo' is seen as a victory for environmental advocates, the CFS continues its legal fight against 'Enlist One', a related herbicide that contains only 2,4-D. Sinclair emphasized that 'Enlist One' poses similar risks and that the CFS is suing the EPA for not properly considering its environmental and health impacts before approving its use in 34 states.

Newsweek

• "EPA should have properly evaluated all the potential effects of Enlist Duo before approving it." — Kristina Sinclair, Attorney, Center for Food Safety

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• "The potential benefits of 'Enlist Duo' outweighed the harms because it could help farmers control herbicide-resistant weeds." — EPA Statement

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• "Our fight against 'Enlist One' continues." — Kristina Sinclair, Attorney, Center for Food Safety

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This cancellation marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over pesticide safety and regulation, highlighting the tensions between agricultural practices and public health advocacy.

Newsweek