Zimbabwe begins review of glyphosate herbicides after Bayer’s US$7.25bn Roundup settlement

Zimbabwe begins review of glyphosate herbicides after Bayer’s US$7.25bn Roundup settlement
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The Government has started a formal review into the safety of glyphosate-based herbicides, following a US$7.25 billion settlement agreed by Bayer in the United States over claims linked to its weedkiller Roundup, according to a report by The Herald.

The review is being led through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. Glyphosate-based products are widely sold in Zimbabwe and commonly used by both commercial and smallholder farmers for weed control.

Bayer, a German company which acquired Monsanto in 2018, agreed to pay US$7.25 billion to resolve thousands of US lawsuits alleging it failed to warn consumers that glyphosate, Roundup’s key ingredient, could cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The company continues to dispute the scientific claims but said the settlement was aimed at reducing prolonged litigation uncertainty affecting its US agricultural operations.

The settlement was reportedly filed in a Missouri court as the US Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments in a separate case concerning federal regulatory approval of the herbicide, developments that have prompted renewed attention to glyphosate regulation internationally.

Responding to questions on Zimbabwe’s position, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, was quoted as saying: “We are looking at the report also.”

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The report notes that the debate has spread across farming communities, with experts urging caution in the handling and application of these chemicals. Dr Reneth Mano, executive administrator at the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council (LMAC), said Government has the “mandate and legal obligation” to respond to the latest developments through appropriate policy action to protect citizens from exposure to what he described as cancer-causing agro-chemicals.

Agronomist Mr Ivan Craig said glyphosate-based herbicides remain popular because of their effectiveness but stressed that users should take strict safety precautions. “It has been banned in other countries, but in Zimbabwe, it is still registered. Farmers who are still using it must use it carefully and take strict safety precautions,” he was quoted as saying.

Mr Craig also warned that health impacts could take time to appear and said farmers should follow label instructions, including mixing ratios and application methods, and wear protective clothing. He further cautioned that chemical choices can affect crop rotations, germination and yield quality, while residue traces may create problems for farmers targeting export markets where produce is tested and may be rejected for non-compliance.

Farmers interviewed in the report said they were largely unaware of alleged cancer risks and called for awareness campaigns. Sealous-based farmer Mr Ringisai Masocha said: “We were never told about cancer risks. We just buy what works. If there are dangers, authorities should educate us so that we protect ourselves.” Another farmer, Mr Dennis Moyo from Mazowe, said rural producers often rely on advice from agro-dealers and would benefit from nationwide information on safe handling and possible health implications.

For Mashonaland Central—where farming is central to livelihoods in areas such as Mazowe, Shamva, Bindura, Guruve, Mount Darwin and Rushinga—the review is expected to be closely watched by growers, agro-dealers and extension officers, given the widespread use of glyphosate products in cereals, grains and oilseeds.

For now, glyphosate-based herbicides remain on sale in Zimbabwe as authorities carry out the review, according to the report.

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