It has been 9 years since we organised the Monsanto Tribunal and 8 years since the opinion of the 5 judges was presented. The case of ecocide has made progress in many countries and institutions, many plaintiffs in the US won court cases or were partly compensated for glyphosate inflicted cancers. Bayer bought Monsanto and the shares plummeted. The EU authorisation of glyphosate is challenged by the Pesticide Action Network. And a groundbreaking new study gives more ammunition to prove the link between the weedkiller and cancer.

The Monsanto Tribunal did its work and we have spread the word. For us it is now time to officially close the foundation at the end of July. We are passing the baton to a worthy successor that has great knowledge and skills in exposing the harms of pesticides for health and environment, that knows a lot about regulations and fought hard-won cases in court: the Pesticide Action Network. They will keep you updated on pesticides and the Bayer-Monsanto-related issues.

Thank you very much for your support. Keep up the good work in spreading the news to achieve a pesticide-free and healthy and biodiverse environment.

New, Groundbreaking Research Linking Glyphosate to Cancer

Published on the 10th of June in the prestigious Environmental Health journal, the study confirms that glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides cause multiple types of cancer, even at exposure levels deemed to be "safe" by the EU and much lower than accepted in the US. It was coordinated by the Ramazzini Institute in Italy and involved scientists from across the US, South America and Europe.

In response to this landmark study, the European Commission has said that it will review this new data and "act immediately to amend or withdraw the approval" of glyphosate if it "no longer meets" the EU’s safety standards. This decision would have huge implications in Europe and beyond.

A webinar organised by PAN UK is an exclusive opportunity to hear about the most comprehensive, global study ever conducted on glyphosate from its only UK-based contributor, Professor Michael Antoniou (Professor of Molecular Genetics and Toxicology at King’s College London). It took place on the 9th of July, and you can now watch the recording.

Weak Governments Afraid to Take Action Against PFAS-Pesticides

A small toxic PFAS called TFA is hiding in our water and food. Research by the Pesticide Action Network shows that it builds up in water, wine and wheat. Levels are much higher than 10 years ago. Why? It is a breakdown product of many PFAS-pesticides sprayed on fields and food. Over 30 PFAS-pesticides are authorised for use in the UK, the US and Europe. Sales are on the rise and many are sold by… Bayer, of course. TFA also comes from some F-gases used as coolants. Even the popular medication Prozac is a PFAS that breaks down to TFA. Now that’s depressing!

What is even more depressing is that our governments fail to take necessary and urgent action. TFA is toxic to reproduction and it is a forever chemical: it will not go away. Our health is at risk and especially that of our children. The only way to curb the rising contamination of water and food is a direct ban of all PFAS-pesticides. But our governments seem to be too weak and afraid of their industry friends to take this simple measure.

Do you want to know more about PFAS and TFA? Check this page and watch this video.

In the Name of Monsanto Tribunal, Support the Court Case Against Glyphosate

You now have the last opportunity to make a donation to the Monsanto Tribunal before the end of July. PAN Europe fights the authorisation of glyphosate in court. A win could have major effects, not only in the EU but also in the UK and US. By making one last donation, you will support the court case against glyphosate in the name of the Monsanto Tribunal. Thank you!

Goodbye words from Marie-Monique Robin, patron of the Monsanto Tribunal

"Organised in The Hague by the international civil society in October 2016, the Monsanto Tribunal was an exceptional event. Four hundred people attended the hearings of 24 witnesses coming from five continents. Presided by Françoise Tulkens, former vice President of the European court of human rights, the Monsanto Tribunal carried on a real trial, with real judges, real witnesses and real experts.

The international press acknowledged the Monsanto Tribunal for the quality of its work. It allowed to take stock of the environmental, social, economic and health consequences of Monsanto’s products, especially glyphosate, the most sold herbicide in the world. The Monsanto Tribunal also produced a legal opinion based on international law: it is now a legal base for victims and lawyers around the world to start court cases against the US company (bought in 2018 by Bayer).

The Monsanto Tribunal also had a prospective dimension. It called for recognising ecocide as a crime against ecosystems, and therefore making it possible to pursue criminal charges against the leaders of transnational companies. Their acts contribute to destructing the biosphere and threatens our planet."

NB: a 90-minute documentary film on the Monsanto Tribunal, directed by Marie-Monique Robin, is available in French, English and German. Write to: contact@m2rfilms.com

Thank you again for making the Monsanto Tribunal possible, and for your support all these years.

Warmly,
The Monsanto Tribunal team