The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) are sharing their frustrations over a recently released recommendation by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to impose preliminary countervailing duty rates on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D.
This is in response to a petition filed by Corteva earlier this year calling for antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of herbicide 2,4-D from certain foreign suppliers. However, the concern is that limiting access to foreign supply could put farmers in a tough spot.
“Access to this herbicide is critical for corn growers. Because there is only one domestic supplier manufacturing 2,4-D, growers in the U.S. must look to foreign suppliers to help meet our needs,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA president Harold Wolle. “We would welcome ideas from Corteva on how to ensure this herbicide is available and affordable for American growers.”
The proposed duties would place a substantial tariff on herbicide imports, which has the potential to impact availability throughout rural America.
“This decision to raise duties on imports is disappointing for soybean growers nationwide,” said Josh Gackle, president of the American Soybean Association and a soybean farmer from North Dakota. “We rely on imported generic 2,4-D in combination with other herbicides, to manage weeds efficiently before planting.”
Both leaders note the poor timing of this move, considering the low commodity prices and tight operating margins the industry is working with.
Gackle added, “This is just the beginning of a lengthy process. ASA remains committed to advocating for soybean farmers by engaging with Congress, Commerce and the ITC. We will continue fighting against these duties and work toward a resolution that supports U.S. farmers and their bottom lines as the antidumping and countervailing investigations continue.”
The DOC’s announcement follows the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) vote earlier this year to move forward with the investigation, and the DOC expected to announce final duty rates next year. The ITC has the power to dismiss this case in its entirety and will fully hear the case and make its final determination in 2025.
