The settlement of a lawsuit against Syngenta related to the herbicide atrazine ensures that corn farmers who depend on the important product continue to farm efficiently and safely.
While the National Corn Growers Association is concerned about the longer term impacts of unmerited class-action lawsuits against agricultural production, it is important that this case was resolved with an acknowledgement of the safety of atrazine.
“We’re relieved that a settlement has been reached that will allow our farmer members to use this proven and safe tool on their farms,” said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. “Atrazine safety has been verified by thousands of studies and numerous reviews by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and we’re happy to have this nuisance lawsuit behind us so our growers can move forward and do what they do best – help feed and fuel the world, sustainably.”
(For more, see: Sex changes and EPA wrapped up in atrazine war)
According to the settlement, the scientific evidence continues to make it clear that no one ever has or ever could be exposed to enough atrazine in water to affect their health when the product is used according to its label. The plaintiffs acknowledge that they have not commissioned and are not aware of any new scientific studies relating to the safety of atrazine. In addition, Syngenta reports that the cost of the settlement to the company is $105 million. According to local news, lawyers for the plaintiffs are expected to receive $35 million of this settlement.