Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in Monsanto v. Durnell that will make it more difficult for farmers, farmworkers, and the public to hold powerful pesticide corporations accountable for harm linked to their products.
In response to the ruling, Farm Action issued the following statement, which can be attributed to Farm Action President Angela Huffman:
“This ruling weakens protections for farmers, farmworkers, and the public, and it sets a dangerous precedent for other corporations seeking similar immunity.
Bayer argued that it needed legal immunity to protect farmers’ access to crop protection tools. As Farm Action has repeatedly pointed out, farmers have other options beyond Bayer. Farmers should not be used as an excuse for a multinational corporation to avoid accountability when its products cause harm.
We are disappointed by the Court’s decision, but this fight is far from over. No corporation should be allowed to use its market power or political influence to put itself above the law. We will continue defending the fundamental right to seek justice.”
In April, Farm Action President Angela Huffman spoke at the People vs. Poison rally in front of the Supreme Court, joining farmers, advocates, and people impacted by pesticide exposure, calling for accountability from pesticide manufacturers.
That same month, Farm Action joined a coalition of farm organizations in filing an amicus brief arguing that farmers have other options and do not depend on Bayer’s products to operate their farms, pushing back on claims that the U.S. food system is at risk without Roundup.
Media Contact: Emma Nicolas, [email protected], 202-450-0094
