While glyphosate has been the most widely used crop protection chemical in the world for some time, the criticism and regulation of this herbicide continues to be a major concern. In fact, a future ban is not out of the question for this valuable herbicide that has been used by no-tillers since its launch in 1976.

Besides its many weed control benefits, glyphosate helps keep food prices affordable, reduces carbon emissions, boosts yield and increases profits for farmers. Here are a half-dozen concerns I have about future use of this herbicide:

1.No-Till’s Favorite Herbicide

Data from the 2024 No-Till Operational Benchmark study shows glyphosate is the most popular herbicide among no-tillers. 82% of growers use it on corn, and 85% use it with no-tilled soybeans.

2.Global Concerns

Due to low glyphosate prices and increasing imports into North America and other markets, there’s currently a worldwide oversupply of glyphosate. Data from Persistence Market Research shows worldwide demand for glyphosate continues to increase at an annual growth rate of nearly 5%.

In addition, the introduction of lower-end glyphosate products from Chinese chemical manufacturers is having an impact. This has led to less-effective glyphosate formulations offered at much cheaper prices.

3.More Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

The extensive use of glyphosate has resulted in 48 herbicide-resistant weed populations over the past several decades. This resistance will likely lead to the need for alternative, more expensive herbicides as well as new weed management strategies. A recent USDA study showed weeds are 32% less responsive to glyphosate 10 years after the first application.

4.Public Perception

Growing awareness about potential health and environmental risks associated with glyphosate has led consumers to shift toward buying more organic foods and food grown with sustainable agricultural practices. Continued negative public perception and consumer preferences for glyphosate-free products will likely reduce demand for glyphosate-based herbicides.

5.Many Regulatory Challenges

Glyphosate has been the subject of intense regulatory scrutiny due to consumer worries about potential environmental and health concerns. Even though most research studies show no cancer concerns, regulatory agencies in several countries have already imposed restrictions or bans on glyphosate use.

Bayer, the major producer of glyphosate, has decided to concentrate on settling Roundup-related lawsuits. Without these lawsuits, the company estimates average cash flow would increase by $5.4 billion per year. 

Among 167,000 claims to date, 113,000 have already been settled or are not eligible for reimbursement. In fact, Bayer has set aside $6.3 billion for glyphosate payouts with the remaining 54,000 unsettled lawsuits filed so far.

Due to a lack of agreement among European countries, the European Commission in late 2023 voted to continue glyphosate usage for another 10 years. This took place despite consumer objections in regard to the herbicide causing cancer.

Here in the states, the U.S. EPA is reassessing the use of glyphosate with the registration review scheduled to be completed in 2026. On the plus side, a California label warning of glyphosate’s potential as a human carcinogen was declared unconstitutional in 2023.

6.A Total Ban of Glyphosate?

If glyphosate is banned and manufacturing discontinued, look for a significant drop in the number of no-tilled acres, increased weed concerns, a drop in yields, lower crop profits and fewer cover crop acres that are so important to improving soil health.

In Australia, University of Western Australia weed scientist Stephen Powles says 70% of the country’s widespread adoption of no-tilled wheat is due to the use of glyphosate.

Results of a recent Canadian study indicate Saskatchewan farmers see glyphosate use as essential in making agriculture more sustainable. In a province where 93% of the ground is no-tilled, growers find more efficient weed control, provided by glyphosate and genetically engineered herbicide-tolerant crops, has contributed the most of any new technology to sustainability. 

If glyphosate technologies were banned, these growers estimate it would result in a 54% increase in extensive tillage, a 37% drop in yields and profitability, a dramatic increase in chemical usage and a 14% increase in summer fallowed ground in western Canada.

Hopefully, these six controversies can be overcome and no-tillers will continue to rely on glyphosate for effective weed control. At least we better hope so in order to continue the success you and many other growers have enjoyed with no-till.