Glyphosate Ban Could Cost Illinois Farmers Up To $609M

Illinois farmers could face significant financial losses if glyphosate is banned in the state. A recent study by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scientists and the Illinois Soybean Association estimated that a complete ban on the herbicide would reduce annual farm revenue from corn and soybean production by $300 million to $609 million.

The researchers assessed the economic consequences of replacing glyphosate with alternative weed-control programs. They found that farmers would face higher weed-management costs and modest yield losses, but could adapt to the transition over time.

The study estimated that the impact would amount to roughly 1.8% to 3.6% of annual corn and soybean farm revenue in Illinois. Researchers concluded that a glyphosate ban would not necessarily trigger a collapse in crop production, as growers would adjust their practices.