Have Your Say: Proposed Changes to Dicamba Use in Canada
On September 16, 2025, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) published a proposed special review decision for dicamba products.
This review could significantly impact how Manitoba soybean growers use dicamba. Farmers and stakeholders now have an opportunity to submit comments before the decision is finalized. The deadline for comments is December 16, 2025.
Why is PMRA reviewing Dicamba use?
PMRA received incident reports and a new toxicity study showing risks to non-target terrestrial plants from dicamba use. These findings triggered a special review of all currently registered commercial-class dicamba products and their associated uses in Canada.
Why does dicamba matter for Manitoba soybean growers?
- In 2025, Manitoba farmers grew 1.54 million acres of commercial soybeans and 98,000 acres of pedigree soybeans for seed production.
- Dicamba-tolerant varieties accounted for over 74% of these acres.
Dicamba is a critical tool for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds such as waterhemp, kochia,
smartweed, and cleavers. In particular, waterhemp germinates later in the season, after pre-
emergent herbicides lose effectiveness. Dicamba’s early post-emergent application timing helps
manage this challenge.
MPSG recognizes dicamba as an essential option for both pre- and post-emergent weed control.
We stand firmly opposed to the PMRA’s proposed special review decision.
What changes is PMRA proposing?
Proposed CANCELLATION:
- Use of dicamba in seed production of dicamba-tolerant soybeans.
Proposed CHANGES: - Temperature restrictions: Avoid applications when temperatures exceed 25°C, due to increased volatility and risk of off-target movement.
- Expanded buffer zones:
o From 1 m to 115 m for field sprayers.
o From 45 m to 800 m for aerial applications. - Post-emergent ban: No post-emergent dicamba applications in dicamba-tolerant soybeans.
Are these changes final?
Not yet. PMRA will review all comments received during the consultation period before
finalizing its decision. The final review will include responses to stakeholder feedback.
How to provide comments to PMRA
By Mail:
Send your comments to:
- Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications Section
- Pest Management Regulatory Agency
- Health Canada
- 2 Constellation Drive
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Address Locator: 2608A
- K1A 0KL9
By Email: pmra.publications-arla@hc-sc.gc.ca
By Public Engagement Portal (PEP):
Consultation Comment – Public Engagement Portal (PEP)
What should you include in your comments?
- The dicamba products you use, how you use them, and your location.
- Why dicamba is an important tool for your operation.
- How the proposed ban on post-emergent applications would negatively affect your farm.
- First-hand experiences using dicamba in recent growing seasons.
- The steps you’ve taken to mitigate dicamba drift and volatilization.
Remember
This is the consultation period. Now is the time to share your experience and ensure farmer
voices are heard before PMRA finalizes its decision.