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EPA reaffirms glyphosate is safe, not carcinogenic

The federal EPA says its latest regulatory review of glyphosate reaffirms that it is safe to use and is not carcinogenic.

The news was welcomed by Bayer, which produces the popular glyphosate-based weed killer Roundup. In a statement provided to Brownfield, Bayer Crop Science president Liam Condon says EPA’s decision reaffirms “the extensive body of science” that glyphosate can be used safely.

“EPA’s latest decision on glyphosate-based herbicides adds to the overwhelming consensus among leading expert health regulators worldwide for more than 40 years that these products can be used safely and that glyphosate is not carcinogenic,” said Condon. “Glyphosate-based herbicides are one of the most thoroughly studied products of their kind, which is a major reason why farmers around the world continue to rely on these products not only for effective weed control, but also to minimize tillage farming practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve more land for native habitats, and provide enough food to meet the needs of a growing population worldwide. EPA’s science-based, in-depth assessment by its expert team reflects a gold standard for scientific rigor that is respected by regulators and scientists across the globe.”

Bayer has lost three California court cases to plaintiffs who claimed exposure to Roundup caused their cancer. Bayer is appealing those verdicts but faces thousands of other similar lawsuits. A Roundup trial in St. Louis, which was scheduled to start this week, was postponed after Bayer and the plaintiffs agreed to continue settlement talks.

EPA’s announcement was also applauded by the American Farm Bureau.

“This is a win for sustainable agriculture,” said Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall. “Today’s decision means farmers can continue to use conservation tillage and no-till methods on their farms to conserve soil, preserve and increase nutrients, improve water quality, trap excess carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. That said, safety is our first priority and the science clearly shows that this tool is both safe and effective.”

EPA did add some additional management requirements to help farmers target pesticide sprays to intended pests, protect pollinators, and reduce the problem of weeds becoming resistant to glyphosate.