Bayer and Allies form coalition to support glyphosate use

USAgNet - 04/16/2024

Bayer AG has spearheaded the creation of the Modern Ag Alliance, a group of over 60 national and state agricultural organizations, to promote the ongoing use of glyphosate. This initiative is a response to increasing legal challenges faced by Bayer regarding its glyphosate-based products, notably Roundup.

Glyphosate, a prevalent herbicide, has been a staple in managing weeds in agricultural settings for decades. Despite its widespread use, recent legal cases have raised concerns over its safety, with allegations linking it to cancer risks among farm workers. Bayer contests these claims, maintaining the safety of their products and backing their stance with scientific studies from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The alliance's mission is to work with policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to ensure that pesticide regulations remain consistent with federal laws and are grounded in scientific evidence. Renee Fordyce, president of the Missouri Soybean Association and a member of the alliance, emphasized the need for legislative certainty so that farmers can rely on essential crop protection tools.

In addition to defending glyphosate legally, Bayer has seen success in court, with several lawsuits ending favorably or with significantly reduced penalties. The establishment of the Modern Ag Alliance aims to fortify these efforts, ensuring that glyphosate remains available to farmers, thus supporting modern agricultural practices and the production of food crops.

This concerted effort underscores the agricultural sector's dependence on scientific innovation and regulatory consistency to sustain farming operations effectively. Alliance members, including prominent organizations like the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association, are pivotal in this advocacy, striving to balance public health concerns with agricultural needs.

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