Bayer AG has been ramping up political spending at the state level in a strategic effort to curb lawsuits over its controversial herbicide, Roundup. The German pharmaceutical giant, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has spent millions lobbying for laws that would limit its liability as it battles ongoing claims that glyphosate causes cancer.
Missouri has become one of the central fronts in this legal battle, with tens of thousands of Roundup-related cases currently pending in Cole County courts. Public records reveal that Bayer-funded advocacy groups have been pushing for legislation that would shield the company from further lawsuits. One such group, the Modern Ag Alliance, has reportedly spent over $100,000 on radio campaigns arguing that glyphosate is safe and crucial to American agriculture.
https://usrtk.org/pesticides/pesticide-related-pac-money-surges-into-state-legislatures/
A bill introduced by state Rep. Dane Diehl (R) would establish that the EPA-approved warning label on Roundup is sufficient under Missouri law, effectively closing the door on most lawsuits in the state. The measure passed the Missouri House but has drawn sharp criticism in the State Senate, where both Republican and Democrat lawmakers have voiced concerns about its impact on consumer rights.
State Rep. Mazzie Christensen (R) has been one of the most vocal opponents of the bill, warning that it resembles the federal PREP Act, which provided vaccine manufacturers with legal immunity. Christensen noted that while many countries have restricted glyphosate-based herbicides, Missouri lawmakers appear to be prioritizing corporate interests over public safety.
Bayer’s push for legal protections extends beyond Missouri. Political action committees tied to pesticide manufacturers have dramatically increased campaign contributions in recent election cycles, targeting lawmakers in key agricultural states such as Iowa, Illinois and North Carolina.
