A federal lawsuit filed by the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) on August 26, 2020 hopes to block Monsanto and its German parent company, Bayer, from selling what has quickly become the most infamous weed killer on earth: Roundup. The group alleges Monsanto did not share the known risks associated with both Roundup-resistant seeds and Roundup. Use of the products has led to an endless cycle which forces black farmers to use them in increasingly larger amounts. (1)

Monsanto Refuses To Budge

The company is surprisingly unconcerned with the risks, continuing to sell the product despite paying a whopping $10 billion or more to settle tens of thousands of claims that their Roundup products cause cancer. In fact, they refused to even provide warning labels on their products. (1)

Sadly, the company views the suit as nothing more than a ploy to get money. “People should see this action for what it is — an attempt by plaintiffs’ lawyers to use media and more litigation to further their own financial interests,” says Bayer in a statement. “There is no basis in fact or law for the health claims in this suit, as Roundup has been assessed and approved by independent health regulators worldwide, including the EPA, which have found that Roundup can be used safely as directed.” (1)

Monsanto Strategy

However, the NBFA’s lawyers disagree. The suit alleges Monsanto knowingly bought up seed companies and shelf space effectively “crowding out conventional varieties.” This leaves black farmers little choice but to use genetically modified seeds as these are the only seeds that can stand up to the potent herbicide. (1)

As weeds targeted by Roundup have become resistant to the product, farmers must also use more of the product in hand with other dangerous chemicals. (1)

Cycle Created By Monsanto

“The cycle can only be broken by removing the product from the market,” says Chris Schnieders, one of the attorneys involved in filing the suit. As well, according to Jim Onder, a co-counsel for the suit, there are at least 25,000 alleged cancer victims who didn’t settle with Bayer, some of which are members of the NBFA. (1)

Meanwhile, Bayer seems to think the fault is not theirs since farmers have many seed and weed killer choices. “Competition and choice are alive and well in agriculture and benefit farmers equally,” their statement concludes. However, when you consider their strategy, this smacks of untruth. (1)

Monsanto Settlements Just “Pennies”

Bayer hoped settlements in June 2020 would end the uncertainty brought on by the suits which are affecting their valuation and reputation. Two separate California juries ordered $286 million and $2 billion be paid out in the past two-years. However, judges and appeals courts later reduced settlements into the tens of millions. That’s so wrong, considering the association’s founder and president, John Wesley Boyd Jr. says the settlements are mere “pennies” to them. (1)

Monsanto Roundup Affecting Farmers

The NBFA has 109,000 members in 42 states. The suit alleges thousands of them have been injured by the product, while others believe they are developing cancer. “I don’t know a Black farmer that has not used the product,” says Boyd. “That’s how big the issue is.” (1)

The suit shows black farmers have been denied technical assistance to learn how to safely use the chemicals.  It also alleges a lack of a “plain, clear warning” put farmers at risk. In fact, according to the suit, for decades Monsanto told black farmers the product is safe. In response to this aspect of the suit, Bayer stated, “Racism has no place in our society or at Bayer.” How nice of them to care. (1)

The shocking story behind the suit points out one more instance in which society failed the black community. It is a clear example of corporate greed overshadowing the needs and well-being of black farmers and their families.  I for one hope to see the farmers come out the winners, and finally see this poisonous cycle broken.