June 25, 2026
Iowa Farmers Union Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Backing Bayer
NEVADA, Iowa — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that federal pesticide liability shields Bayer from state court lawsuits over failure to warn consumers about cancer risks from Roundup. The 7-2 decision removes critical accountability measures for farmers, farmworkers, and rural communities harmed by pesticide exposure.
“Farmers in Iowa rely on safe and effective pesticides,” says Aaron Lehman, Iowa Farmers Union president. “Today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling is a huge step backward.”
“The path to safe and effective pesticides is not to give blanket protections to pesticide manufacturers. Iowa’s leading cancer rate won’t go down when multi-national manufacturers of pesticides are given a free pass for their products that have proven links to cancer.”
“The path for farmers and others trying to defend their health shouldn’t be blocked. Farmers are accountable to our neighbors and customers for what we grow. We are proud of what we do. Chemical giants should not be afraid of that same accountability for what they sell.”
“Instead of seeking to hide behind a shield of immunity, multinational chemical companies should be using safer formulations and increasing their educational efforts about the safe and effective use of their pesticides.”
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About Iowa Farmers Union
The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting family farms, sustainable agriculture, and strong rural communities. IFU advocates for policies that protect farmers, promote local food systems, and ensure a resilient and fair agricultural economy