Momma always said, “You are what you eat!”  Of course she meant that when you eat well, you will feel well and the converse, if you eat junk, you will feel like junk.  These days, people are breaking down not only the food they eat but how it is raised, supplemented, harvested, processed, and the like.  

Being concerned about what is going into your body is admirable, but on that knowledge quest it is equally important to have reliable sources for that information.  Popular voices, trendy influencers, and gullible gimmicks are often noisy and drown out the simple, quiet facts.

Agriculture production techniques, tools, and technologies are often attacked as being toxic for consumers without taking the time to use a little common sense or do a little fact checking.  Anything from GMOs to chemical use to livestock on public lands has had their turn being slandered by disgruntled activists with an agenda and anyone that uses them is villainized.

Glyphosate haters have come to the top once again, capitalizing on current events to carry their inaccurate ideals.  Instead of sharing factual information backed by scientific evidence and trustworthy sources, they use various fear mongering forms of media to promote misinformation and fallacies.

Farmers and ranchers around the world are pleading for consumers to take a moment to really understand the crucial solution they trust to produce the goods they provide to feed the world.  Here are a few answers to the common questions they are asked?

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a chemical used to prevent broadleaf weeds from growing in their fields.  These weeds compete for water, nutrients and sunlight that if left unchecked, would overrun the growing crops.  Glyphosate works by targeting and inhibiting an enzyme that forms three key amino acids in plant growth.  This enzyme is found only in plants and not in any humans or animals. 

Why do farmers use glyphosate?

Without this herbicide crop yields would drop drastically for producers.  As little as 40% loss to as much as 85% loss could be expected year after year.  Glyphosate use also lowers equipment use which means less wear, less fuel, and far less labor needed to clear the invading weeds.  In short, glyphosate helps farmers work much more efficiently- greater yields with fewer inputs.

It sounds like glyphosate is just a way for farmers to make more money.  Is that true?

Using glyphosate benefits far more than producers that use it, starting with the environment.  By not having to combat weeds with tillage practices, soil health is significantly increased by preserving organic material, reducing compaction, increasing water retention, and increased biodiversity.  Decreased equipment used means fewer emissions as well.  In fact, the benefits of no-till practices, permitted because of herbicides, offset the yearly emission of 6.8 million cars.

Consumers are directly benefited by glyphosate use.  As farmers more efficiently raise their crops, the price at the grocery store stays low.  Idaho farmers alone save $72 million by spraying their crops with glyphosate.  The average family of four saves up to 48% at checkout because of this herbicide.  On the flip side, if farmers could no longer use the herbicide, food prices would more than double.

As worldwide populations grow, there is a greater demand for food production at a time of decreasing producers and depleting lands.  Currently, 400 million acres across the US are dedicated to food production.  Without glyphosate, over 800 million acres would be required for crop use.  And, unfortunately, farming acres are decreasing at an alarming rate due to urban sprawl.  In fact, 2000 acres are being lost every day.

Who can use glyphosates?

Only licensed applicators can legally administer glyphosate.  Farmers and ranchers can become certified after taking various courses and tests to prove their understanding of the proper use and application of the chemicals.  They are required to do continuing education courses to ensure they are up to date with the current information surrounding application.  Those looking to become professional applicators, spraying more than their own crops, are required to earn additional credits.  

Is glyphosate actually safe?

Research, studies, regulations, and monitoring practices continue to make sure using herbicides are safe.  Yes, there is some trace amounts of glyphosate found in food, water, wines, beer, and even urine, proving that it is being ingested.  However, the trace residue found is far below the allowable amount by the FDA.  

When the herbicide is applied, a very insignificant amount is used.  Breaking down the math, the 0.75 lbs applied on one acre equals 0.000275 oz on one square foot.  For the health of their consumers, the environment, and their business, farmers use the absolute least amount possible.

But I heard it can cause cancer.  Is this true?

Extensive studies around the world have not found glyphosate to cause cancer.  It is not a carcinogen.  There are individuals that have been exposed to glyphosate that have also had cancer, but one did not cause the other.  It would be far easier and beneficial to reduce carcinogenic foods consumed by reducing fried foods like potato chips and fried chicken, sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks, and foods with charring like grilled steaks or bacon than preventing the use of glyphosates.

Asking the right questions to the right people is the only way to get the right information.  When it comes to how food is being produced, quick assumptions and cursory looks will never provide a clear answer.  Dig deep, use common sense, and go to the source to get the whole picture.