By Clint Thompson
A reduction in force could mean a delay in action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with regards to mancozeb use in grapes.
The Trump administration has stated in the past its intent to fire more than 1,000 scientists in the EPA’s research arm. That could significantly impact its ability to follow through on items that are up for review, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. This includes mancozeb.
“One of the big concerns we have on grapes is the potential loss of mancozeb on grapes. It’s a huge concern for us. Mancozeb is a product that does not develop resistance. It is a backbone of our spray program on grapes,” Brannen said. “Currently, with the review process, the EPA has threatened that they would remove all uses on grapes. But in talking with one of my colleagues who had contacted the EPA in the last week or two, they said it would probably be 2026 at the earliest, and more likely 2027 before they’ll make any decision on that. That may be delayed even more.
“In one hand that may help us because they slow things down because they don’t have people to review things. But on the other hand, it could be a negative, we just don’t understand what’s going to happen with all of this.”
Mancozeb is essential to the grape industry. It is a fungicide that is used to manage downy mildew, black rot and other diseases of grape.