Georgia has become the second U.S. state to enact legislation protecting pesticide manufacturers from certain lawsuits, offering a win for the global agrochemical giant Bayer. On Friday, Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill aimed at shielding companies from legal claims that they failed to inform consumers about the dangers of pesticides like the widely used weed killer, Roundup, which is now linked to cancer risks. This law, effective from January 1, offers legal protection to all pesticide manufacturers who comply with federal labeling standards.
Following in the footsteps of North Dakota, this move aligns with recent legislative efforts in at least nine other states. Bayer, based in Germany, inherited Roundup’s legal challenges after acquiring Monsanto in 2018. The product’s main component, glyphosate, has been the subject of numerous lawsuits alleging its link to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Bayer is currently facing over 67,000 unresolved claims out of a total of 181,000 related cases. While specifics on the number of Georgia-based claims are unclear, the company continues to grapple with substantial legal liabilities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains that glyphosate does not pose a high cancer risk if used according to guidelines. Despite some studies suggesting a connection between glyphosate and cancer, Bayer argues for the chemical’s safety. Nonetheless, the company has ceased using glyphosate in the residential version of Roundup, reserving its use for agricultural products. Bayer has earmarked $16 billion to settle existing claims and is wary of ongoing legal expenses potentially necessitating the removal of glyphosate in agricultural applications.
While the new legislation will not impact pre-existing court decisions, including the notable March verdict where a Georgia jury awarded $2.1 billion to a plaintiff alleging Roundup-related cancer, it marks a significant legislative change. Kemp’s decision was heavily influenced by agricultural stakeholders, suggesting a strong alignment with the farming community’s interests.
Bayer is actively involved in a broader advocacy initiative, rallying support from agricultural groups and seeking legislative changes at both state and federal levels. The company has also appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and invested in widespread media campaigns to emphasize glyphosate’s significance in agriculture.
Glyphosate has been a critical tool for farmers, reducing soil erosion by limiting tillage and enhancing crop yields, particularly for genetically modified crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton that are engineered to withstand its effects. Bayer argues that abandoning glyphosate could lead to increased weed management challenges, reduced crop output, and higher food prices.
“This legislation underscores Georgia’s commitment to supporting its farmers who work tirelessly to supply safe, affordable food,” remarked Brian Naber, president of Bayer’s crop sciences division across North America, Australia, and New Zealand.