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October 19, 2001

Bollgard sees re-registration

The Environmental Protection Agency signed an agreement with Monsanto earlier this month for the re-registration of Bollgard® without any significant change in the insect resistance management (IRM) plans recommended by the industry.

Key elements of the new registration include continuation of the existing refuge options for insect resistance management as were in existence for the 2001 crop. Growers can continue to opt for a 95:5 external unsprayed refuge, a 95:5 embedded refuge or an 80:20 sprayed refuge. The use of a community refuge implementation strategy also is continued. Continuity of these plans was one of the main efforts the industry stressed in working with Monsanto and EPA for the re-registration.

While Bollgard® received a five-year registration, EPA will review the effectiveness of the 95:5 untreated refuge plan after three years to determine if any changes are necessary. Monsanto also agreed to arrange for third party annual surveys to measure grower compliance and understanding of resistance management plans. Growers also will have to annually re-affirm their compliance intentions.

In preparation for Bollgard® re-registration, EPA completed a risk assessment for Bt cotton concluding, "there are no unreasonable adverse effects from these products."