A professor of weed science at the University of Illinois says a new analysis finds the economic cost of a glyphosate ban would be monumental.
Aaron Hager says the research done in conjunction with the Illinois Soybean Association shows Illinois farmers alone would lose up to $600 million every year.
“What would be the cost of these alternate herbicides relative to glyphosate?” He says, “Would they be as effective? And then further, if some of these other products were now in higher demand, the likelihood that they would increase in price over time was very likely.”
Hager says there would be other long term financial implications if weed control became even more complex with the effects trickling into land values and other sectors. “Something perhaps like tax revenue could be impacted by this. Would there be a change to land values if we’re not able to adequate control weeds? What about cash rent rates? We have repeatedly in past legislative sessions, seen bills that have been introduced that would ban certain pesticides. Those things that look fairly simple on paper can have some pretty significant financial consequences if they were ever enacted.”
Hager says glyphosate is a key tool in regenerative agriculture practices like terminating cover crops, so a potential ban on the herbicide would have far reaching financial and environmental impacts in that sector as well.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Glyphosate is a broad spectrum, systemic compound that is sold under many generic brands. It is most commonly associated with the brand name Roundup. Using genetic engineering, many seed companies have produced hybrids that are glyphosate resistant. That allows farmers to spray for weeds after a crop has emerged and is growing. This cuts the cost and time involved with weed control. It is also compatible with regenerative agriculture and is environmentally friendly. Loss of this valuable tool would be a devastating blow to crop production in the U.S. Ultimately, it would be more costly for consumers, as well, causing food prices to eventually rise.
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