3rd Philadelphia Jury Finds in Favor of Monsanto in Roundup Trial

Womack verdict marks 15^th favorable outcome in last 22 trials for the Company

WHIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the jury reached a verdict in favor of Monsanto in the Womack Roundup™ product liability trial before Judge Michael Erdos in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

In response to the decision, Monsanto issued the following statement:

“The jury’s verdict in favor of the Company marks the 15^th favorable outcome in the last 22 trials, including three in the PCCP, and validates the Company’s strategy of taking cases to trial based on strong scientific and regulatory evidence. The verdict is consistent with the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and the consensus of regulatory bodies and their scientific assessments worldwide supporting the safety of glyphosate-based herbicides. While we have great sympathy for anyone who suffers a loss or injury, the science proves that Roundup™ is safe to use and not carcinogenic.

“The Company has been clear that the cross-cutting state-based failure to warn claim in this and other cases in the Roundup litigation is preempted by federal law consistent with the Schaffner decision by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. This decision created a circuit split within the federal courts that warrants review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Company is currently evaluating the cases which would present the best opportunity for review. The Company will file a petition for certiorari in or before 2025, and if granted, the Supreme Court would decide the case during its 2025-2026 session.

“Additionally, outside the courtroom, we will continue supporting legislation at the state and federal level alongside hundreds of agricultural organizations to ensure that any pesticide reviewed and registered by the U.S. EPA – and sold under a label consistent with the EPA’s determinations – is sufficient to satisfy requirements for health and safety warnings. Without legislative certainty, the litigation industry will continue to target crop protection tools that have been deemed safe by experts at the U.S. EPA.

“We continue to stand fully behind the safety of Roundup™ products - critical tools that farmers rely on to produce affordable food and feed the world.”