Today, Farm Action joined a coalition of farmer and farmworker advocacy groups in filing an amicus brief led by FarmSTAND in support of the respondent opposing Monsanto’s attempt to evade liability in Monsanto v. Durnell.
The case, which the Supreme Court is expected to consider this month, centers on a critical legal question: whether federal pesticide approvals override state laws that allow people to sue companies for failing to warn about known risks. A ruling in Monsanto’s favor could effectively provide an immunity shield for Monsanto and other pesticide companies, and significantly limit Americans’ ability to hold corporations accountable for harm.
“No company should be shielded from accountability for harm that they caused,” said Farm Action President Angela Huffman. “Monsanto is framing this case as protecting farmers, but in reality, it would strip them of their right to seek justice if they’re harmed.
The coalition’s brief argues that, contrary to Monsanto’s claims, farmers can:
- Access glyphosate from other manufacturers
- Use other pesticides
- Control weeds without pesticides
“Holding Monsanto accountable will not threaten the U.S. food supply nor farmers’ ability to grow food,” Huffman said. “This case is not about whether farmers can use glyphosate, it’s about whether they’re protected from harm if they do. Farmers should have the right to take action against corporations, and not be treated as guinea pigs.”
Monsanto, owned by Bayer, has mounted an aggressive campaign to secure immunity, leveraging its outsized market power to influence policymakers. The company faces thousands of lawsuits alleging its flagship product, Roundup, causes cancer. As Farm Action has documented, threats to pull Roundup from the market are a strategic pressure tactic, not a sign of impending crisis for the food and farm system.
“This case is not about banning glyphosate,” said Huffman. “But if a company causes harm, farmers and farmworkers should have the right to seek damages, just as they would in any other industry. A ruling for Monsanto sets a dangerous precedent for companies across industries to escape liability, leaving Americans with fewer options to seek justice when they’re hurt.”
The coalition’s brief urges the Court to reject Monsanto’s argument and preserve the right to hold companies accountable when their products cause harm.
Media Contact: Emma Nicolas, [email protected], 202-450-0094
