KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Thanks in part to the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, Bayer Environmental Science successfully negotiated a five-year phase out period for Nemacur® Nematicide (active ingredient fenamiphos) with the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
“This is a great success for Bayer and our customers who rely on Nemacur,” said Mike Daly, turf and ornamental brand manager for Bayer. “The extended phase out allows golf course superintendents to use the trusted nematode control product while we work to develop better alternatives. And we could not have accomplished this without the help of these dedicated superintendents.”
More than 20 members of the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association worked with Bayer to support Nemacur. They spoke with the EPA, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Senators to emphasize the critical need for continued Nemacur use. They worked with Bayer and the state of Florida to design studies to meet EPA research requirements. However, the extensive studies required by EPA were determined to be too costly. And when the EPA proposed the cancellation of Nemacur, the superintendents contacted their local legislators.
“Because the superintendents stepped forward to support Nemacur, we were able to work with the EPA to secure the long-term phase out,” Daly said.
The revised agreement between Bayer and the EPA allows for the use and formulation for use of Nemacur through May 31, 2007. However, pursuant to the original agreement, use on hydrologic soil group A – soil groups that are excessively drained and predominately sand or loamy sand, with water tables less than 50 feet deep – will be cancelled effective May 31, 2005.
This agreement affects the following Bayer products:
- Nemacur 3
- Nemacur 15% Granular
- Nemacur 10% Turf and Ornamental Nematicide
- Nemacur Technical Nematicide-Insecticide
- Nemacur Concentrate Nematicide-Insecticide
Bayer may continue to sell and distribute all Nemacur end-use products until May 31, 2007. However, non-Bayer entities may continue to sell and distribute existing end-use stocks until May 31, 2008. Use of the products in the channels of trade may continue until supplies are depleted, except where prohibited by the label.