Bayer AG is using its political influence to push for state laws that would shield the company from lawsuits tied to Roundup, a controversial herbicide at the center of thousands of legal claims. After acquiring Monsanto in 2018, Bayer inherited litigation over allegations that glyphosate, Roundup’s key ingredient, causes cancer.
Missouri has become a key battleground in the fight over corporate liability, with an estimated 25,000 lawsuits pending in Cole County. Bayer-backed groups have funneled money into media campaigns pushing legislation that would reduce legal exposure. One group, Modern Ag Alliance, has reportedly spent more than $100,000 on radio advertisements promoting the safety of glyphosate.
A bill introduced by state Rep. Dane Diehl (R) would establish that the EPA-approved warning label on Roundup satisfies all legal requirements in Missouri. If passed, the measure would effectively dismiss most of the pending lawsuits against Bayer in the state. While the Missouri House narrowly approved the bill, it faces strong pushback in the State Senate, with lawmakers from both parties opposing what they call a corporate bailout.
State Rep. Mazzie Christensen (R) criticized the legislation, arguing that it mirrors the federal PREP Act, which granted vaccine manufacturers broad legal protections. Christensen pointed out that several countries have restricted or banned glyphosate-based herbicides, raising concerns over Missouri legislators moving in the opposite direction.
Beyond Missouri, Bayer and other chemical manufacturers have significantly increased political contributions at the state level. Federal records show a sharp rise in donations to lawmakers in agricultural states, where liability-limiting bills have been introduced.
Bayer has already paid out $10 billion from a $16 billion fund set aside for legal settlements. However, with lawsuits continuing to pile up, the company is aggressively seeking legislative solutions to protect its bottom line.
