Syngenta to Cease Production of Paraquat Amid Parkinson's Disease Lawsuits

Syngenta, a prominent agricultural company, announced on March 3, 2026, that it will discontinue the production of its paraquat herbicide by the end of June. This decision comes in the context of ongoing litigation, with thousands of lawsuits filed in the United States alleging that exposure to paraquat has led to the development of Parkinson’s disease among users. Syngenta cited “significant competition” from generic producers and the product's minimal contribution to its global sales—less than 1 percent—as reasons for exiting the paraquat market. Mike Hollands, president of Syngenta UK, emphasized that the decision is aimed at reallocating resources to areas that provide greater value.

The Guardian

Paraquat has been utilized in the United States since 1964 for weed control in various crops, including soybeans, cotton, and grapes. Despite its effectiveness, paraquat has been banned in numerous countries, including those in Europe, due to health concerns. Scientific studies have indicated that paraquat may damage brain cells in ways that could lead to Parkinson’s disease. Although Syngenta has consistently maintained that the evidence linking paraquat to Parkinson’s is “fragmentary” and “inconclusive,” over 8,000 lawsuits related to these claims are currently pending in U.S. courts.

The Guardian

Recent investigations by The New Lede and The Guardian revealed that Syngenta was aware of research connecting paraquat to Parkinson’s disease for decades and attempted to influence public perception and scientific discourse regarding these links. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has previously deemed the evidence linking paraquat to Parkinson’s as “insufficient,” but it is reviewing new data before making a final regulatory decision. In response to growing concerns, lawmakers in several states have proposed legislation to ban paraquat, with some federal lawmakers also advocating for its prohibition.

The Guardian

Experts have expressed optimism regarding Syngenta's decision to exit the paraquat market. Michael Okun, chair of neurology at the University of Florida, described the announcement as a “public health milestone,” emphasizing the impact of advocacy and scientific data on public health outcomes. Ray Dorsey, a neurologist at the Atria Research Institute, noted that this development could lead to fewer future cases of Parkinson’s disease and highlighted the importance of the Parkinson’s community's advocacy efforts. However, Nathan Donley from the Center for Biological Diversity cautioned that while Syngenta's exit is positive, other companies may continue to supply generic versions of paraquat, underscoring the need for ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

The Guardian

Syngenta's decision to cease production of paraquat marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding pesticide safety and public health. As the company navigates numerous lawsuits and public scrutiny, the implications of this decision will likely resonate within both the agricultural sector and the broader conversation about environmental health.

The Guardian