New Tariffs on 2,4-D Herbicide Could Harm American Farmers, Says US Corn Association President
04 April 2025, New Delhi: Kenneth Hartman, Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), testified against the imposition of new tariffs on 2,4-D herbicide imports from China and India. Speaking before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), Hartman emphasized the critical role herbicides play in modern farming and warned that additional tariffs would significantly impact American corn growers.
Herbicides Are Essential for Crop Protection
Herbicides are indispensable for modern agriculture, preventing weeds from competing with crops for water, nutrients, and space. Farmers typically apply herbicides at different stages of the crop cycle. Many farmers use herbicides before planting in a process known as burndown to ensure a clean seedbed. Others apply them after planting but before the crop emerges, known as pre-emergence, to prevent early weed competition. Farmers also spray herbicides during crop growth in a post-emergence application to suppress weed competition. Hartman underlined that without herbicides, farmers face reduced yields and higher operational costs, making crop production less sustainable.
2,4-D is a widely used herbicide that specifically targets broadleaf weeds while sparing corn crops. Hartman explained that 2,4-D is an effective tool for managing broadleaf weeds during burndown, ensuring they are controlled early in the growing season. Unlike some herbicides prone to resistance, 2,4-D remains effective and is often combined with other herbicides like glyphosate. Hartman also noted that 2,4-D plays a crucial role in environmentally sustainable farming practices. It supports no-till farming, reducing soil erosion, preserving moisture, and limiting greenhouse gas emissions compared to mechanical tillage. Without herbicide options like 2,4-D, many farmers would be forced to return to tillage, which not only increases costs but also negates years of environmental progress.
Corteva’s Market Dominance and the Need for Fair Competition
Hartman also challenged Corteva Agriscience’s request for trade protection. Corteva, the only domestic supplier of 2,4-D acid, enjoys a strong market position due to its Enlist seed and herbicide system. This system requires farmers who use Corteva’s 2,4-D-resistant seeds to exclusively purchase Corteva’s corresponding herbicides, creating a locked-in customer base. Comparing this situation to a previous UAN investigation, Hartman argued that similar market dominance led to a negative determination by the ITC. He urged the Commission to reach the same conclusion in this case, emphasizing that additional trade protections for Corteva would be unnecessary and harmful to farmers.
The economic challenges facing corn growers add urgency to the debate. Hartman highlighted that corn prices have dropped by 40 percent since 2022, while farming input costs, including herbicides, are at record highs. The development of new herbicide solutions remains slow, while weed resistance continues to grow. Placing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imported 2,4-D would further burden farmers, limiting their access to affordable and effective weed management tools.
On behalf of NCGA and 300,000 American corn farmers, Hartman called for a negative determination in the investigation, arguing that additional duties would be detrimental to U.S. agriculture. With declining corn prices and rising input costs, farmers need reliable crop protection tools—not further restrictions that could jeopardize their livelihoods. Hartman concluded his testimony by reaffirming NCGA’s commitment to advocating for policies that support American farmers and ensure access to the tools necessary for a productive and sustainable agricultural industry.
📢 Reach Farmers, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand!
Got news to share? A company story to highlight? Looking to launch an impactful advertising campaign? Connect with us at info@krishakjagat.org or nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org and make your mark!
📢 Connect with 100+ Million Farmers! India’s leading farmers rely on Krishak Jagat’s Hindi website for trusted agriculture news, advisory and insights. Click here to explore!
