Over the last 25 years, we have seen the most profound explosion of chronic disease and infertility in human history. Research suggests that the 4.5 billion pounds of herbicides we spray into our soils, plants, and water systems are part of the reason why.
My name is Zach Bush and I've worked at the intersection of agriculture and the human health space for over 12 years. I've seen first-hand that, until we change how we are doing things, human and planetary health will continue to be at risk.
Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide globally–– it also impairs our bodies' and brains' ability to function properly. Glyphosate has been found to cause injuries to the cellular function of our bodies including epigenetic, metabolic, neurologic, autoimmune, and cancers. However, farmers continue to use it to expedite uniform harvests.
Every country that has adopted widespread chemical agriculture practices has seen rising rates of these illnesses.
Bayer, a company that manufactures glyphosate, lost enormous lawsuits to plaintiffs who claimed that glyphosate exposure caused their cancer. They have set aside over $10 billion to settle the ongoing glyphosate litigation. But the U.S. Federal government continues to approve its use.
People are starting to take notice. In 2020, $200M was paid out as damages for glyphosate-related cancer cases. More recently, the 9th circuit court in California overturned the EPA's "Glyphosate safe for human consumption" position that has been held at the Federal level for over 40 years. Meanwhile, the regulatory and legal stances against glyphosate haven't changed.
As farmers adopt regenerative farming methods, we can eventually rule out the use of glyphosate and chemical desiccants altogether. We can change how we approach soil and food system management and revitalize this planet.
Sign and share this petition to urge the EPA, USDA, FDA, and President Biden to phase out glyphosate and other chemical desiccants in our food systems. The health of our planet and its people depends on it.
