Bayer says the decision by a U.S. judge will have no impact on the agricultural marketplace or the company’s commitment to Roundup™ or Roundup Ready® for its farmer and retailer customers. On Wednesday, May 26, a U.S. judge rejected Bayer’s $2 billion class-action proposal to manage future claims.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 280 million pounds of glyphosate are applied to an average of 298 million acres of corn, soybeans and cotton annually. In fact, due to its low cost and broad-spectrum weed control, it has been many farmers’ preferred herbicide.
Bayer has been hit with lawsuits challenging the safety of Roundup™ even though decades of studies have shown Roundup™ is safe for human use.
In response to the ruling, Bayer created a five-point plan of action to address potential future lawsuits.
The five-point plan includes:
1. Creation and promotion of a new website with scientific studies relevant to the safety of Roundup™, and a request that EPA approves the corresponding language on Roundup™ labels.
2. Discussions about the future of glyphosate-based products in the U.S. residential market.
3. Exploring alternative solutions aimed at addressing potential future Roundup™ claims through the creation of an independent scientific advisory panel.
4. Efforts to settle existing claims will be reassessed, as the company will continue to be open to settlement discussions.
5. Continuing the appeals process of existing cases to help manage future liability risk.
Bayer is confident this new five-point plan of legal and commercial actions provides an effective path for the company to manage and address any potential future risks.
