Open letter from Ruveon

As we launch Ruveon and stand up a new company – the only American manufacturer of glyphosate-based products – we want to be transparent and direct with you about a decision we’ve made, why we made it, and what it may mean for your operation.

We know the farm economy is under significant pressure right now. Costs are increasing, margins are tight, and the last thing growers need is uncertainty about the availability or price of an essential products such as glyphosate.

Much like the tough ag landscape that many farmers have experienced over the last several years, participating in the production of crop protection products has been challenging as well. Continuing to navigate a competitive market – one with changing grower demand and an arduous and lengthy regulatory process – is an expected part of our business, and one that we have long been able to manage.

But one challenge that has compounded this situation and necessitated action – particularly with glyphosate – is the ongoing practice by foreign producers that sell their glyphosate-based products lower than the cost to produce them, or dumping.

This is why we have submitted petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission requesting antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into glyphosate imports coming from Chinese companies. Chinese glyphosate producers are engaging in this predatory practice as part of a deliberate strategy to undercut domestic producers and ultimately force them from the market. It’s also been well documented that suppliers from China benefit from government subsidies—that allow them to sell at prices no non-subsidized producer can match.

We recognize this filing raises questions about glyphosate and its potential impact on farmers. We want to reiterate that we did not make this decision quickly or easily. Our intent is not to adversely impact farmers but rather ensure that the U.S. remains a fair and competitive marketplace for everyone. While these artificially low prices may seem like a benefit to the industry, nothing could be further from the truth. This action is necessary because these behaviors impact the ability of companies to make long-term investments and innovate for American farmers.

As the sole American glyphosate producer, we take very seriously our role in supporting American farmers – to help them feed, fuel and clothe the world. We have the supply to meet the needs of American farmers and will prioritize domestic supply. To help farmers achieve this goal, here is our commitment:

• We are not raising the price of glyphosate based on the filing of the petitions.
• We are committed to transparency and pledge to keep the cost of the company’s glyphosate-based products based on the cost of production and we intend to keep prices for our glyphosate-based products in line with our most recent 3-year average*
  *Assuming production and energy costs are similar to today.

• We are committed to supplying the U.S. market to meet the needs of the American farmer.

We’re not asking for your agreement regarding this decision, only that you understand our position: the petitions are about preserving long-term access to a critical input — and creating a level playing field on which we may compete to earn your business.

American agriculture has always been built on the principle that hard work and fair competition determine who succeeds. That is all we are asking for here.

We will continue to communicate openly as this process moves forward, and we welcome any questions you have.