Bayer seems to be pursuing a “both/and” strategy with regard to its signature glyphosate-based pesticide Roundup. It is defending against lawsuits and attacks on glyphosate, even while it contemplates a replacement.
On April 4, more than 60 agricultural groups launched a coalition seeking “increased legislative clarity at the state level for the future of glyphosate and other tools American farmers use.” The new coalition of more than 60 ag groups, the Modern Ag Alliance, is—not surprisingly—led by Bayer. It seeks to “protect American farmers’ access to critical crop protection tools farmers need to ensure a robust and affordable food supply …and…to voice their support for legislative solutions that ensure consistency in labeling and the continued domestic availability of innovations for farming.”
In America, Bayer continues its strenuous defense of glyphosate and science-based medicine in its ongoing Roundup trials in court and on its website. Bayer wins in court more often than it loses. But in this high-stakes game, “most” is not good enough. In 2020, Roundup settlements cost the company $11 billion. In California alone, 4,253 Roundup lawsuits are still pending.
Seeking to reassure stockholders, Bayer’s American CEO, Bill Anderson, recently told the German press that the company is already working on a glyphosate substitute, which it expects to bring to market in 2028. He called it the first revolutionary advance in the field in 30 years.
The Modern Ag Alliance argues that the need to ensure any pesticide registered with the EPA and sold under a label consistent with the EPA’s own determinations is sufficient to satisfy requirements for health and safety warnings.
“We need to protect the critical role safe, approved crop protection tools play in sustainably feeding a growing world. Farmers need legislative certainty that enables them to have confidence in the access of these important crop protection tools. While states have the option to build on the federal government’s baseline regulations, we’re looking to ensure that any provisions do not directly conflict with the scientific findings of the EPA,” said Renee Fordyce, president of the Missouri Soybean Association.
“Farmers require a realm of science-based tools to effectively manage their operations. By providing us with a combination of conservation practices, new technology, and innovative approaches we can address the challenges faced in today’s rapidly changing agricultural landscape,” said Jolene Riessen, Iowa Corn Growers Association President and a farmer from Ida Grove.
“We stand with these grower groups to support the need for legislative certainty for these science-based tools,” said Jess Christiansen, Head of Crop Science Communications for Bayer. “Farmers need these critical innovations now more than ever–and certainty to ensure the continued long-term availability of products like glyphosate. We look forward to working with our partners in the Alliance to advance this important work.”
