Syngenta Reaches Settlement In Controversial Paraquat Case

Person in suit with gavel and scales of justice

Syngenta’s recent settlement over paraquat lawsuits raises important questions about accountability and transparency in the agricultural industry.

Key Insights

  • Tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed, alleging paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease.
  • The settlement was reached to avoid costly litigation, but not all plaintiffs are included.
  • Paraquat remains classified as “restricted use,” requiring special handling.
  • Paraquat exposure risks draw attention as advocacy for a total ban gains momentum.

Settlement Amid a Legal Blizzard

In April 2025, Syngenta reached a settlement aimed at resolving multiple lawsuits claiming that their paraquat weedkiller has been linked to Parkinson’s disease. This settlement covers a substantial portion of the 5,911 pending cases, according to court documents. However, attorneys outside the negotiation feel sidelined, as the settlement doesn’t cover all affected clients.

Paraquat cases have been settled for an estimated amount between $100,000 and $150,000 per plaintiff. In 2021, prior to the current settlement, Syngenta had agreed to pay $187.5 million dollars to resolve some claims. These lawsuits, initially consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in 2021, have seen delays with the first bellwether trial set for October 2025.

Health Risks and Public Debate

Classified as “restricted use” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paraquat is primarily handled by licensed professionals. Those who are most at risk include agricultural workers and individuals living close to treated farmland. Alongside legal discussions, advocacy for a paraquat ban gains traction due to its purported health risks, which have linked exposure to an increased chance of developing Parkinson’s disease.

The company released a statement saying, “Syngenta has settled certain claims in the federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) and California court in the United States related to paraquat. Syngenta believes there is no merit to the claims, but litigation can be distracting and costly. Entering into the agreement in no way implies that paraquat causes Parkinson’s disease or that Syngenta has done anything wrong. We stand by the safety of paraquat.”

Despite the settlement, the legal claims continue to question Syngenta’s assertions about paraquat’s safety. Internal documents suggest that the company was aware of the potential health risks of paraquat exposure but may have attempted to mitigate scientific findings.

Future Legal and Regulatory Actions

The ongoing controversy reflects broader issues of corporate responsibility within the agricultural sector. The settlement seeks to prevent further legal expenditures, much like similar cases involving Monsanto’s Roundup litigation. However, the controversy persists, especially among plaintiffs and attorneys excluded from the settlement process.

The first bellwether trial expected in October 2025 could set the tone for future cases, potentially pulling both regulatory and public interest towards stronger protections against hazardous agricultural chemicals.

Sources:

  1. https://www.drugwatch.com/paraquat/lawsuits/
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/15/syngenta-weedkiller-parkinsons
  3. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/agrichemical-giant-syngenta-to-settle-thousands-of-lawsuits-claiming-weedkiller-causes-parkinsons/

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