By Judith Ruiz-Branch
A coalition of sustainable farmers is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a bid from Roundup maker Monsanto, owned by Bayer, to shield the company from cancer lawsuits concerning pesticides.
In an amicus brief, the group rebuts claims from agribusiness groups that the industry would collapse if companies were required to warn consumers of cancer risks associated with products like Roundup, the world’s most widely used weed killer.
Liz Moran-Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, said the long-term viability of American agriculture is endangered, not dependent upon the high use of glyphosate, Roundup's main ingredient. She cited harm to people, the planet, and farmworkers.
"In an incredibly consolidated system, there are very few choices of the products that they can use," Moran-Stelk pointed out. "That absolutely requires the most information and the most protection that farmers and communities can get."
Monsanto argued the Environmental Protection Agency has determined glyphosate does not cause cancer in humans and has repeatedly approved the product’s label without warnings. Moran-Stelk noted that in the absence of federal action, states have stepped up to take protective measures for their communities. She contended the case is an attempt to circumvent their ability to protect residents.
Represented by the advocacy organization FarmSTAND, the coalition includes 15 farmer organizations from across the country.
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