Agricultural Community Applauds Signing of New North Dakota Bill

With Governor Armstrong’s signature, North Dakota becomes the first state to fully pass legislation reaffirming EPA-backed science behind crop protection tool safety

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, farmers and other members of the agricultural community praised Governor Kelly Armstrong and the North Dakota Legislative Assembly for championing the tools and technologies essential to protecting America’s agriculture. The enactment of HB 1318 makes North Dakota the first state to reinforce the authority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) science-based rulings that crop protection products are safe when used as directed.

“This new law is crucial for providing the tools North Dakota’s farmers rely on to produce America’s food supply,” said Brian Naber, president, Crop Science North America & Australia/ New Zealand Region. “Without crop protection tools, America’s consumers could face higher costs to provide for their families and put food on the table. By signing HB 1318, Governor Armstrong is supporting North Dakota’s farmers, America’s consumers, and the decades of innovation that underpin the state’s proud agricultural history and vibrant economy.”

The enactment of this legislation is the result of North Dakota’s lawmakers, commodity groups, and farmers coming together to support the agricultural industry, which along with related industries contribute more than $14 billion to the state’s economy. HB 1318 reinforces the integrity of the regulatory process, ensuring that the EPA’s rigorous and scientifically grounded conclusions are upheld. It also provides the regulatory clarity necessary for crop protection products and for the agricultural community to thrive. Crop protection products have transformed modern farming by enabling effective and safe weed management. Glyphosate has undergone rigorous testing and oversight, with the EPA and leading regulatory authorities worldwide consistently affirming its safety when used as directed. When the EPA makes its science-based conclusions around a product label, this new law ensures that stands.

Bayer hopes the courts will begin applying this legislation to provide the legal certainty regarding claims about the health and safety warning labels on crop protection products.

To learn more about glyphosate, visit: https://www.bayer.com/en/truth-about-glyphosate

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Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

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