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Syngenta Halts Paraquat Production Globally
12 Mar
Summary
- Syngenta will end global production of paraquat by the end of June.
- Paraquat is banned in over 70 countries due to its high toxicity.
- Syngenta cites commercial reasons and competition for the production halt.
Syngenta will stop all global production of the herbicide paraquat by the end of June. This includes operations at its facility in Iberville Parish, Louisiana. Paraquat is known for its extreme toxicity, with one sip being potentially fatal, and is banned in over 70 countries.
The company states the decision is driven by commercial factors and intense competition from other producers. However, this move occurs as Syngenta faces numerous lawsuits alleging failure to disclose the herbicide's health risks, which have been linked to conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Environmental advocates and local residents have welcomed the decision, viewing it as a step toward protecting worker health and potentially reducing industrial pollution in areas like "Cancer Alley."
Despite the production halt, Syngenta maintains that paraquat is safe when used correctly. The facility in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, employed 350 full-time staff and 450 contractors in 2024.




