Disclosed herein is a novel process for the preparation of 4-amino-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate derivatives by (a) reaction of an acetonediester with a primary amine to form an enamine, (b) reaction with a carboxylic acid anhydride or halide to form a 2-alkylcarbonyl-3-amino-2-pentenedicarboxylate, and (c) reaction with a halogenated alkylnitrile to form the pyridinedicarboxylate product. The product is useful as a herbicide or an intermediate in the formation of a herbicide.