Supreme Court Hears Roundup Warning Liability Fight Monday

The Supreme Court’s ruling could affect pesticide warning claims well beyond Roundup.

SCOTUS-Building_GaryBlakeleyAdobeStock_27844626_1920x1080

Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.

Photo by Gary Blakeley

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Monday in a case that could affect pesticide lawsuits across agriculture. Brigit Rollins with the National Agricultural Law Center said the ruling could shape how failure-to-warn claims are handled for Roundup and other crop protection products.

In the case Durnell v. Monsanto, a Missouri man claims Roundup exposure caused his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A jury awarded him $1.25 million, and Missouri courts allowed that verdict to stand.

Bayer, which owns Monsanto, argues the case should be blocked by federal law. The company says FIFRA gives the EPA authority over pesticide labeling and that states cannot impose warning requirements that differ from federal standards.

The plaintiff argues his claim can still move forward. He says federal law already bars misbranding and that his case also points to older marketing materials that described Roundup as safe.

The outcome could extend well beyond a single product. The Court’s decision may influence thousands of pending cases and help define how far federal pesticide law reaches when state courts hear product-warning disputes.

Farm-Level Takeaway: The Supreme Court’s ruling could affect pesticide warning claims well beyond Roundup.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Speicialist

Related Stories
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discuss nutrition challenges in rural communities, barriers to healthy food access, and ways to improve dietary outcomes this week on Rural Health Matters.
Higher prices are bringing relief to markets, but rising input costs are putting pressure on the producers.
Governor Jim Pillen joined us to share the latest on the Nebraska wildfires, discuss relief efforts, and outline considerations for producers navigating the ongoing situation.
Regulatory changes may influence farm costs and operations.
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Spring Weather Creates Uneven Early Season Field Conditions
USDA Cattle-on-Feed report for March shows slightly lower inventory and higher February placements, signaling a tighter supply but steady outlook for the U.S. cattle herd.
Energy risks could reshape global ag trade flows.
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.
E15 policy could shape future corn demand outlook.
Agricultural groups warn that the deal could limit competition and raise transportation costs for farmers