The most widely used herbicide faces growing scrutiny over its impact on human health and biodiversity.
Glyphosate (sold as Roundup) is a broad-spectrum herbicide used on 90% of US soybeans, corn, and wheat. Over 250 million lbs are applied annually.
Studies show glyphosate kills native wildflowers and plants that pollinators depend on, contributing to monarch butterfly and bee population crashes.
The WHO classifies glyphosate as probably carcinogenic. Bayer has paid over 11 billion dollars to settle cancer-related lawsuits.
In 2026, the EPA faces intense lobbying from agriculture giants to maintain glyphosate approvals, while environmental groups push for a ban.
Organic farming, precision weeding robots, and cover cropping can reduce herbicide use. The question is whether policy will catch up.