Pesticide News & Updates
Updated May 18, 2026
On May 18, the MDA opened a public comment period regarding the adequacy of the MDA's rules to protect natural resources from contamination allegedly resulting from the use of neonicotinoid-treated crop seeds. The public comment period is in response to a lawsuit filed against the MDA in late-2025 by the Natural Resource Defense Council and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. The comment period will be open for 75 days and close on July 31, 2026. Additional details can be found on the MDA's Neonicotinoid-Treated Seed Public Comment website.
Updated 4/6/2026
On April 6, the MDA adopted Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Chlorothalonil. These BMPs were developed in response to concerning levels of 4-hydroxychlorothalonil—a degradate of chlorothalonil—detected in groundwater samples. The new BMPs are intended to help growers and applicators prevent and reduce contamination of Minnesota’s groundwater. Additional information about chlorothalonil and a copy of the BMPs are available at Chlorothalonil Fungicide.
Updated: March 12, 2026
The MDA adopted an updated version of the Minnesota Pesticide Management Plan (PMP) on March 9, 2026. The PMP is a guidance document required by statute to protect Minnesota’s water resources from pesticide contamination. The plan addresses the prevention, evaluation, and mitigation of pesticide detections in both groundwater and surface water in the state. Additional information about the revisions and a copy of the updated PMP is available on the MDA's Pesticide Management Plan webpage.
Updated March 11, 2026
The EPA recently approved the registrations of over-the-top (OTT) dicamba products for use in 2026 on dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybeans. OTT dicamba products will continue to have state-specific restrictions for Minnesota, be restricted use, and require Mandatory Annual Training. Information on the mandatory training can be found at BASF Dicamba Training, Bayer Stewardship - Dicamba Training & Resources, and Tavium Application and Stewardship | Syngenta US . Always consult and follow the product label before use. For more information, visit Over-the-Top Dicamba | Minnesota Department of Agriculture, or contact us at Pesticide.Registration.MDA@state.mn.us.
On Feb. 6, 2026, the EPA approved the registrations of over-the-top (OTT) dicamba products for use in 2026 on dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybeans. New general mitigation measures will be required to reduce drift, minimize volatility, and protect the environment. State specific restrictions will also be required for use in Minnesota. OTT dicamba products will continue to be restricted use and require mandatory annual training. Always consult and follow the product label prior to use. For more information, visit Over-the-Top Dicamba, or contact us at Pesticide.Registration.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 2/4/26
The MDA has completed registration reviews for two new pesticide active ingredients (AIs), cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram. Cyclobutrifluram is a Group 7 fungicide/Group N-3 nematicide registered for use on turf and ornamentals and as a soybean seed treatment. Isocycloseram is a Group 30 insecticide registered for a variety of agricultural (corn, soybean, etc.), residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The EPA approved both AIs in November 2025 and products containing these AIs were registered in Minnesota in January 2026. Copies of the MDA's registration reviews are available on the New Active Ingredient and New Use Special Registration Reviews webpage.
Updated 11/12/2025
The fall 2025 issue of the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division (PFMD) newsletter is now available on the MDA website. This biannual newsletter provides information about PFMD events, programs, policies and regulations. To receive an electronic copy of the newsletter directly via email, subscribe here.
Updated 11/04/2025
The MDA administered a voluntary survey to seed labelers to create a list of where you can buy neonicotinoid- and insecticide-free seed in Minnesota. Company names, locations, and contact information for businesses that volunteered their information about neonicotinoid- and insecticide-free seed options can be found at: List of seed labelers selling insecticide-free seed options.
Updated 10/14/2025
Pesticide-treated seed isn’t categorized as a pesticide product but is considered industrial solid waste. Leftover treated seed must be disposed of properly to minimize contamination of water resources and harm to wildlife. Here is a quick guide on disposing of leftover pesticide-treated seed, including relevant state regulations: what to do with leftover pesticide-treated seed (Minnesota Crop News). For more information, see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) fact sheet, or contact the MPCA at joshua.burman@state.mn.us.
Updated 9/19/2025
The EPA has finalized two strategies (Herbicides and Insecticides) to protect endangered species. These strategies have resulted in new pesticide label requirements. To help applicators and agricultural landowners understand and implement these changes, the MDA has created a series of webpages focused on the new language.
To learn more about the Endangered Species Act and what the updated label language means for you, visit the MDA’s Pesticides and the Endangered Species Act webpages.
For questions after reviewing the information, please contact us at: PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Pesticide Overview
The MDA regulates the sale, use, and disposal of pesticides. The State of Minnesota defines a pesticide as follows:
Pes·ti·cide (noun): a substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate a pest, and a substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. (MINN. STAT. 18B.01)
Pesticides may be either chemical substances or biological agents, and have a broad range of uses. Pesticides are often used to control weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), and plant diseases (fungicides). Other pesticides registered for use in Minnesota are chemicals not commonly thought of as pest control agents, such as bleach and antimicrobial household sprays used to sanitize surfaces.
Applicator License
Selling Pesticides in Minnesota
Pesticides must first be registered by the MDA before they can be sold or distributed in the state. Individuals wishing to sell or distribute pesticides must obtain a Pesticide Dealer License.
Product Registration
Both agricultural pesticides and non-agricultural pesticides must be registered with the MDA before they can be sold or distributed in the state. Product registrations expire December 31 of each year. Renewal applications must be postmarked before January 1 to avoid a penalty fee. The MDA also conducts special registration reviews.
Use Complaints
A team of statewide inspectors is available to conduct routine inspections and enforcement checks, provide compliance assistance and investigate agricultural chemical use complaints. Learn more about the complaint process and access the complaint forms.
