The U.S. government has granted special status to the herbicide glyphosate, which is produced and sold by Bayer. According to the German magazine “Handelsblatt”-citing U.S. industrial sources-President Donald Trump has placed both the production of glyphosate and the necessary extraction of the phosphate mineral used by Bayer under the Defense Production Act (DPA). The White House confirmed on Wednesday evening that the president has signed the relevant regulation.
Under this move, the availability of glyphosate is deemed essential for U.S. security and independence in areas such as food, industry, and defense. The DPA, a law that has been in force since 1950, allows the United States to protect its resources during crises. By incorporating glyphosate into the DPA, the U.S. aims to secure the supply chain for the herbicide. It can now require Bayer to prioritize the replenishment of national stocks and expand production. In exchange, Bayer will receive the maximum possible support and protection for its manufacturing operations, including certain product‑liability safeguards.
The DPA designation could be a critical step for Bayer in mitigating litigation risks associated with glyphosate users in the United States. This development comes alongside a newly agreed settlement with plaintiff attorneys and follows a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision.