Vermont Bans Paraquat Herbicide

United States — Vermont has become the first US state to ban the herbicide Paraquat, effective November 1, with exemptions for fruit growers until 2030. This decision, driven by concerns over a potential link between Paraquat and Parkinson s disease, was widely supported by public health advocates like The Michael J. Fox Foundation and State Representative Esme Cole, who sponsored the bill. While the Guyana — Guyana Environmental Protection Agency has not found a clear link, research from the United States — National Institutes of Health suggests a strong association. Syngenta, a major manufacturer, has ceased global production and sales of Paraquat and faces thousands of lawsuits, though it maintains the chemical's safety. Farmers like Greg Burtt, who rely on Paraquat as a cost-effective tool, express concerns about competitive disadvantages and increased labor costs with alternative methods. The ban is seen as a significant step by the Parkinson's community, with calls for other states and the federal government to follow United States — Vermont's lead.