USDA registration transfer opportunity offers chance to help protect bees

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a private entity partner to help protect bee populations through the transfer of a registration for a pesticide targeting parasitic mites that feed on honey bees.

The USDA is currently the registrant for oxalic acid dihydrate (EPA Registration Number 91266-1), used for the control of Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) in managed honey bee colonies. USDA is seeking to transfer this registration to a registrant within the private sector as this is a commercially sold product (API Bioxal). Regulation of oxalic acid dihydrate and this future registration are managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (BPPD).

Only one registrant will be permitted. A statement of interest from any private entity seeking to become the Registrant must be submitted to Jim Poulos, USDA Agricultural Research Services’ Technology Transfer Coordinator via e-mail: [email protected], no later than September 15, 2021, Subject: Oxalic Acid.

Priority will be given to the applicant best able to meet the following criteria:

* Ability to accept transfer of the registration seamlessly to avoid any lapse in the availability of the product to the public.

* Prior experience as a pesticide registrant for EPA-registered products in the United States.

* Prior experience as a pesticide registrant for oxalic acid.

* Prior experience with EPA-registered products intended for use in managed honey bee colonies.

* Established relationships with at least one active EPA-Registered Foreign and Domestic Pesticide and/or Device-Producing Establishment.

* Long-term commitment to ensuring the availability of this registration in the United States.

Questions can be directed to Elizabeth Hill, USDA Pollinator Coordinator via e-mail: [email protected], Subject: Oxalic Acid.

Additional information on requirements for acting as a varroacide registrant: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-ag...