The Future of Glyphosate, Bayer Offers $7.25 Billion Settlement

President Donald Trump is trying to protect glyphosate, one of the most widely used and effective herbicides. Meanwhile, Bayer is trying to protect its business interests by offering billions of dollars to settle a class action lawsuit that claims that Roundup is making people seriously ill.

President Trump’s executive order invoked the Defense Production Act to ensure continued U.S. production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, arguing that both are essential not only to agriculture, but to national security and food supply stability.

The order stressed what the administration considers the importance of maintaining supplies of glyphosate:

“As the most widely used crop protection tools in United States agriculture, glyphosate-based herbicides are a cornerstone of this Nation’s agricultural productivity and rural economy, allowing United States farmers and ranchers to maintain high yields and low production costs while ensuring that healthy, affordable food options remain within reach for all American families.”

The order also made the case that there is no realistic way to replace glyphosate with another chemical that is as effective:

“There is no direct one-for-one chemical alternative to glyphosate-based herbicides.  Lack of access to glyphosate-based herbicides would critically jeopardize agricultural productivity, adding pressure to the domestic food system, and may result in a transition of cropland to other uses due to low productivity.  Given the profit margins growers currently face, any major restrictions in access to glyphosate-based herbicides would result in economic losses for growers and make it untenable for them to meet growing food and feed demands.”

The Trump administration, as it has with other priorities, pointed to one of the reasons that it is taking particular action is based on preserving the safety of the country:

“Ensuring an adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides is thus crucial to the national security and defense, including food-supply security, which is essential to protecting the health and safety of Americans.” 

Law Firms Ask Judge to Delay Decision on Bayer’s $7.25 Roundup Settlement

Nearly 20,000 Americans are waiting on a Missouri judge to determine whether German-based Bayer should be able to settle its class action lawsuit. Reuters reported that law firms representing the plaintiffs want the judge to delay what could be a fast-tracked preliminary ruling on March 4.

Plaintiffs have argued that glyphosate, the key active ingredient in Roundup, causes cancer. Bayer has disputed that but has worked to settle scores of lawsuits against the company.

The law firms representing the plaintiffs asked the court for more time to review the proposed 600-page settlement.

Future of Glyphosate

Ultimately, the debate underscores a larger tension shaping modern agriculture. On one side is the reality of large-scale food production, where herbicide-based systems have become deeply embedded in efficiency and profitability.

On the other is growing scrutiny from consumers and policymakers concerned about long-term health and environmental impacts.

Trump’s order makes clear where his administration stands — framing glyphosate not simply as an agricultural input, but as infrastructure tied directly to food security and national defense.

RELATED: This Midwest widow lost her husband to cancer. She has remained committed to herbicides on the farm and explained to American Farmland Owner why she doesn’t worry about their safety.