Prohibit the sale, use, or application of glyphosate based products for commercial purposes in MN

 

By banning glyphosate, native biodiversity can recover and so too can many affected ecosystems. Organic farming could

take the place of chemicals like glyphosate and therefore push other harmful practices to change to organic as well. By

creating an organic way of living, the longevity of vital systems in our everyday lives is increased.

 

According to the World Wildlife Fund, global wildlife populations have significantly decreased by 73%, since 1970.

Glyphosate has been found to have adverse effects on many ecosystems in the long-term.

Glyphosate indirectly impacts beneficial insects like bees by disrupting their nervous systems when exposed and causing

physiological impairment that makes bees more susceptible to infections, predators, diseases, and disorientation-caused

deaths. It has also been shown to harm many other organisms by disrupting the melanization required for survival.

Not only does this biocide negatively affect land ecosystems, but also freshwater ecosystems as well. When glyphosate is

repeatedly added to soil over long periods of time, it can only be degraded to a certain degree by microorganisms. For

this reason, it takes longer for glyphosate to degrade naturally in soil the more it is applied. The likelihood of

groundwater contamination is increased the more frequent and intense the treatment is. This is also true because

glyphosate is water-soluble and can get through filters.

Runoff from glyphosate treated areas will eventually find its way into freshwater ecosystems where it causes more harm.

Fish in different life stages face difficulties with energy imbalances, stress responses, endocrine disturbances, and

other physiological disturbances caused by the exposure of glyphosate. The previously stated struggles that fish have to

live with, makes living conditions much more difficult and is one reason why freshwater fish populations are declining.

 

“melanization”- A series of chemical reactions that results in the of darkened pigment around a wound or pathogen

“World Wildlife Fund”- A conservation organization that leads international efforts to protect endangered species and

their habitats and address threats such as climate change.

“long-term”- Anytime from 1 year to 100 plus years

“freshwater ecosystems”- Earth's aquatic ecosystems that include the biological communities inhabiting freshwater

waterbodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, springs, bogs, and wetlands.

“degrade”- Break down or deteriorate chemically

“groundwater contamination”- Virtually any activity whereby chemicals or wastes may be released to the environment,

either intentionally or accidentally, has the potential to pollute.

“water-soluble”- Able to be dissolved in water

 

 

The state and tribal assistance grant program will provide all funding necessary for this bill. This is possible because

the federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency awards millions of dollars in grants to state initiatives for

restricting pesticide usage. Employees of the EPA will be responsible for acquiring the grants and enforcing this law.

 

A fine of $5000 if a company is found producing or selling products containing glyphosate. This is a repetitive fee. The

Minnesota Department of Agriculture will monitor and regulate glyphosate.

 

January 1, 2027