NCGA and ASA disappointed in vote on 2,4-D duties

By Brianna Smith

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) expressed serious concern on Tuesday after the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D from China and India. The U.S. Department of Commerce will now determine final duty rates.

Commodity leaders warned that the ruling could reduce access to affordable herbicides and lead to potential shortages of 2,4-D, a critical tool in herbicide programs across the country. Both organizations agree that this decision came at a tough time when farm finances are already tight.

“We are concerned and alarmed by this ruling,” said Kenneth Hartman Jr., an Illinois farmer and NCGA president. “Corn growers should not be forced to rely exclusively on one domestic supplier. Today’s decision threatens to cause availability shortages for 2,4-D that will hamper the work of our farmers, who are already facing a tough environment due to a prolonged period of high input costs and low prices.”… Continue reading