Farm groups oppose duties on critical herbicide 2,4-D

Jul 17, 2024

NCGA leads call to rethink tariffs on vital agricultural chemical.

By Farms.com

The National Corn Growers Association and five other agricultural groups have sent a significant letter to the Department of Commerce, expressing deep concerns over the proposed tariffs on imports of 2,4-D herbicide. This action follows a petition by Corteva, which if approved, would limit the availability of a crucial farming input.

The letter underscored the potential wide-ranging effects on the agricultural sector, particularly at a time when farmers are grappling with historically high expenses and declining crop values.

With Corteva as the only significant domestic producer and current supplies unable to meet demand, the groups fear that tariffs would lead to critical shortages, undermining farmers' ability to maintain productive operations.

The coalition—which includes organizations like the American Soybean Association and the National Sorghum Producers—highlighted the timing as particularly detrimental. They cautioned that the financial burdens imposed by the tariffs could force reductions in farm spending, impacting yields and the economic vitality of farming communities.

As the Department of Commerce prepares to issue preliminary duty rates in September, the agricultural sector remains on edge.

The decision could dictate farming strategies and economic outcomes for numerous growers across the nation, underlining the crucial balance between protecting domestic industries and supporting agricultural productivity.

Video: How farmers are protecting the soil and our food security | DW Documentary

For a long time, soil was all but ignored. But for years, the valuable humus layer has been thinning. Farmers in Brandenburg are clearly feeling the effects of this on their sandy fields. Many are now taking steps to prepare their farms for the future.

Years of drought, record rainfall and failed harvests: we are becoming increasingly aware of how sensitively our environment reacts to extreme weather conditions. Farmers' livelihoods are at stake. So is the ability of consumers to afford food.

For a few years now, agriculture that focuses solely on maximum yields has been regarded with increasing skepticism. It is becoming more and more clear just how dependent we are on healthy soils.

Brandenburg is the federal state with the worst soil quality in Germany. The already thin, fertile humus layer has been shrinking for decades. Researchers and farmers who are keen to experiment are combating these developments and looking for solutions. Priority is being given to building up the humus layer, which consists of microorganisms and fungi, as well as springtails, small worms and centipedes.

For Lena and Philipp Adler, two young vegetable farmers, the tiny soil creatures are invaluable helpers. On their three-hectare organic farm, they rely on simple, mechanical weed control, fallow areas where the soil can recover, and diversity. Conventional farmer Mark Dümichen also does everything he can to protect soil life on his land. For years, he has not tilled the soil after the harvest and sows directly into the field. His yields have stabilized since he began to work this way.

Isabella Krause from Regionalwert AG Berlin-Brandenburg is convinced after the experiences of the last hot summers that new crops will thrive on Brandenburg's fields in the long term. She has founded a network of farmers who are promoting the cultivation of chickpeas with support from the scientific community.