Reitz Fights for Local Farmers and Small Businesses, Clarifies Use of Dicamba for Soybean Farmers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is fighting to support local farmers and provide them with the proper resources and timeframes as they adjust to new federal regulations impacting the soybean industry.

“Farms and small businesses, which are the backbone of the Illinois economy, deserve a fair deal, and I will make sure they get it,” said Reitz. “As we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s critical that we allow farmers to use products they have already purchased that assist with their farming, instead of requiring them to follow a timeline that would results in a loss of money and time.”

Reitz recently appealed to the Illinois Department of Agriculture to allow soybean farmers additional time to use any existing stock of the now discontinued dicamaba herbicide products, which have been banned for usage due to a federal lawsuit, despite 25% of soybeans still needing to be planted by farmers statewide. While any existing stock of dicamaba has been permitted for usage, it was originally required to be used by June 20. Reitz’s appeal to the IDOA pushed back the Illinois deadline to June 25, allowing additional time for farmers to use any existing supply in the planting season. This move is part of Reitz’s continued focus on supporting local businesses and farmers, something especially important during recent tough economic times.

“Our community has gotten through these difficult times by standing together and helping our neighbors when they need it most. Allowing additional time to use a product that farmers have already made an investment in purchasing will help save funds and resources and assist our agricultural community and local businesses. I’ll continue to stand with our farmers to make sure that they have the tools they need to help support the largest industry in our state.”