By Blake Jackson
Missouri farmers are sounding the alarm as lawsuits threaten their access to critical crop protection tools, especially glyphosate-based herbicides.
With over 90% of Missouri soybean acres depending on glyphosate, losing this input could impact yields and raise input costs by up to 150%.
This legal wave is backed by trial lawyers and anti-agriculture activists using a disputed report from a W.H.O. subagency as their foundation. Though this opinion has been criticized and linked to data manipulation, it has still triggered thousands of lawsuits.
“Most of the farmers who started with hemp — they lost money,” said Eleazar Gonzales, reflecting on how risky agriculture becomes when support and protection weaken.
If glyphosate is removed from the market, Missouri’s agriculture sector could face higher production costs, reduced output, and increased food prices for consumers. Experts estimate a $358 million annual loss for Missouri growers alone.
Agricultural organizations such as the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Corn Growers Association are backing House Bill 544, which supports the continued use of federally approved crop protection products.
The bill protects science-based labeling laws, preventing misleading or inaccurate changes due to legal action.
HB 544 is currently under consideration by the Missouri Senate. It reaffirms that pesticide labeling and approval decisions remain based on rigorous scientific evaluations—not lawsuits or foreign opinions.
Farmers are urged to contact their state senators and express support for the bill. Agricultural leaders emphasize that protecting access to reliable tools like glyphosate is essential for maintaining food security and farm sustainability.
Without clear legal protections, Missouri growers risk losing the tools that make modern farming productive and efficient. HB 544 provides a pathway to keep agriculture strong and competitive.
Photo Credit: missouri-farm-bureau
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Soybeans