Alliance formed to defend use of controversial herbicide glyphosate

By Farms.com

In an effort to address ongoing legal and regulatory pressures, Bayer AG has taken the lead in forming the Modern Ag Alliance. This coalition, consisting of more than 60 agricultural organizations, aims to support the sustained use of the herbicide glyphosate, which is crucial for effective weed management in agriculture.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in products like Bayer’s Roundup, has been a key tool for farmers for decades but has recently been the subject of numerous lawsuits alleging that it causes cancer in individuals with prolonged exposure. Despite these allegations, Bayer continues to defend the safety of glyphosate, citing approvals and findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The alliance seeks to engage with policymakers and agricultural partners to ensure that any state regulations augmenting federal laws do not contradict the scientific assessments upheld by the EPA. According to Renee Fordyce of the Missouri Soybean Association, this clarity is vital for farmers who rely on glyphosate for crop protection.

The formation of the Modern Ag Alliance is part of Bayer’s broader strategy to maintain farmer access to essential agricultural tools despite legal and market challenges. By banding together with groups like the National Corn Growers Association and the American Seed Trade Association, Bayer aims to reinforce the position that glyphosate is a safe and necessary component of modern agriculture.

This initiative represents a significant effort within the agricultural industry to ensure that regulatory frameworks reflect scientific understanding and support sustainable farming practices, thus safeguarding the interests of farmers and the agricultural sector at large.