Story perspectives

Chemical Firms Push for Liability Immunity in Farm Bill

1/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chemical companies seek liability immunity like vaccine manufacturers from nearly 40 years ago.
Meryl Nass notes Section 453 would shield pesticide manufacturers from liability, but activists defeated it.
The agri-chemical industry plans to reintroduce similar provisions in the new farm bill.
If enacted, these immunity clauses could undermine safety incentives and harm consumer health.
Jennifer Galardi of the Heritage Foundation warns that without transparency, future generations face a hazardous food system.

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Story summary

Chemical companies seek liability immunity like vaccine manufacturers from nearly 40 years ago.
Meryl Nass notes Section 453 would shield pesticide manufacturers from liability, but activists defeated it.
The agri-chemical industry plans to reintroduce similar provisions in the new farm bill.
If enacted, these immunity clauses could undermine safety incentives and harm consumer health.
Jennifer Galardi of the Heritage Foundation warns that without transparency, future generations face a hazardous food system.