Realfoodology Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Act Now! – Stop Bayer’s Dangerous Immunity Grab | Kelly Ryerson (Glyphosate Girl)
Host: Courtney Swan
Guest: Kelly Ryerson (Glyphosate Girl)
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Produced By: Wellness Loud

Introduction

In this urgent episode of the Real Foodology podcast, host Courtney Swan sits down with Kelly Ryerson, famously known as "Glyphosate Girl," to discuss the escalating battle between Bayer and the agricultural community concerning the pesticide glyphosate. The episode delves deep into the legal, legislative, and health ramifications of Bayer’s attempts to shield itself from liability related to glyphosate exposure.

Bayer’s Glyphosate Litigation Crisis

Kelly Ryerson begins by outlining the origins and escalation of the glyphosate litigation against Bayer, formerly Monsanto.

Kelly Ryerson [01:10]: "This is a huge, huge emergency that we are having right now. And it all stems from the glyphosate litigation in which this started in 2018."

Since 2018, Bayer has faced numerous lawsuits alleging that glyphosate exposure leads to cancer. These lawsuits have resulted in substantial financial liabilities for the company, with settlements exceeding $13 billion. Notable cases include Lee Johnson’s groundbreaking win in 2018 and a particularly high-profile $2 billion settlement awarded to a couple in 2019, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Courtney Swan [01:49]: "There was that famous groundsman. And I believe he was the first one that won."

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as a Group 2 carcinogen, indicating that it probably causes cancer, a stance supported by independent research rather than industry-sponsored studies.

Bayer’s Legislative Strategy for Liability Protection

Facing mounting lawsuits, Bayer has initiated a multi-pronged strategy to avoid bankruptcy without acknowledging the potential carcinogenic effects of glyphosate directly. Instead of labeling glyphosate as a cancer-causing agent, Bayer is pushing for legislative immunity akin to that enjoyed by vaccine manufacturers.

Courtney Swan [00:57]: "Bayer essentially is trying to go for the same immunity that vaccine companies have, which means that if anyone was to get cancer using their products, they would not be able to sue Bayer if they got cancer from their products."

Bayer is lobbying for pesticide liability shields by inserting these provisions into broader legislation, such as the Farm Bill. Specifically, page 798 of the Farm Bill includes a clause that would prevent individuals from suing pesticide manufacturers if they become ill.

Kelly Ryerson [04:18]: "They have this fancy strategy...they are going to 21 states I believe are on the list now, and they're going in and convincing the state legislature."

This tactic involves embedding the immunity clauses deep within extensive legislative documents, making them less visible and harder for the public and legislators to scrutinize.

State-Level and Federal Legislative Efforts

Bayer is actively pursuing this immunity shield both at the state and federal levels. At the state level, 21 states are currently targeted, with significant efforts in Georgia, Missouri, and Florida. The company is leveraging political influence to present this legislative move as "anti-farmer," arguing that without these chemicals, agriculture could falter.

Kelly Ryerson [04:51]: "And so they're definitely pushing on both fronts."

The threat extends to federal legislation, with attempts to include liability shields in appropriations bills related to the Farm Bill. However, Bayer's strategy involves obscuring these clauses within extensive legislative texts to prevent widespread awareness and opposition.

Impact on Farmers and Public Health

The legislative maneuvers by Bayer pose a significant threat to farmers and public health. If successful, these immunity shields would prevent farmers and individuals from holding Bayer accountable for health issues caused by glyphosate exposure, such as various cancers, Parkinson's disease, infertility, and even ALS, as in the case of farmer Gabe Brown.

Courtney Swan [12:47]: "We're also eating that food that's getting sprayed with glyphosate...we’re seeing cancer rise."

The pervasive use of glyphosate has led to its presence in water systems, rain, soil, and ultimately, in the food supply, exacerbating health risks across communities.

Call to Action: Mobilizing Against Bayer’s Legislation

Both Courtney Swan and Kelly Ryerson emphasize the urgency of mobilizing public opposition to Bayer’s immunity efforts. They advocate for concerted actions such as:

1. Phone Campaigns: Encouraging listeners to call their state senators, even if they reside in different states, to voice opposition to the liability shields.

2. Public Participation: Attending court hearings and making public comments to counter Bayer’s narratives.

3. Educational Outreach: Informing legislators about the true implications of the bills and the health risks associated with glyphosate.

Kelly Ryerson [09:36]: "What I say when I call is I say the name of the bill. I say, vote no, and the bill number will change state to state."

4. Joining Coalitions: Collaborating with groups like Moms Across America and other advocates to amplify the message and increase pressure on legislators.

Courtney also highlights the deceptive tactics Bayer employs, such as billboards portraying the company as protectors of farmers, which starkly contrasts with the ongoing health crises faced by agricultural communities.

Courtney Swan [11:39]: "Bayer's putting out these billboards saying that our farmers need glyphosate, that we need to protect the farmers. That could not be more backwards."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a strong reiteration of the stakes involved. Courtney and Kelly stress that Bayer’s actions are not just corporate maneuvers but direct threats to human health and the integrity of the food system. They call upon listeners to stay informed, participate actively in legislative processes, and join the fight to prevent corporations from prioritizing profits over public health.

Courtney Swan [16:22]: "Anyone that's paying attention to this and concerned, I feel like we have an obligation for our fellow humans to protect and help them."

Listeners are encouraged to visit Kelly Ryerson’s website to sign up for updates and engage in targeted advocacy efforts to halt Bayer’s dangerous immunity grab.

Notable Quotes

• Kelly Ryerson [01:10]: "This is a huge, huge emergency that we are having right now."
• Courtney Swan [00:57]: "Bayer essentially is trying to go for the same immunity that vaccine companies have."
• Kelly Ryerson [04:18]: "They are going to 21 states I believe are on the list now, and they're going in and convincing the state legislature."
• Courtney Swan [12:47]: "We're also eating that food that's getting sprayed with glyphosate...we’re seeing cancer rise."
• Kelly Ryerson [09:36]: "What I say when I call is I say the name of the bill. I say, vote no, and the bill number will change state to state."
• Courtney Swan [16:22]: "Anyone that's paying attention to this and concerned, I feel like we have an obligation for our fellow humans to protect and help them."

Final Notes

This episode serves as a critical alert to the real and present dangers posed by chemical giants like Bayer. Through informed discussions and actionable insights, Realfoodology empowers listeners to take a stand against policies that threaten both their health and the sustainability of America’s food systems.

For more information and to get involved, visit www.realfoodology.com and follow Courtney on Instagram @realfoodology.