Vermont is phasing out the use and sale of the toxic and controversial paraquat with the passage of House Bill 739 (H.739) but allowing limited exemptions for specific crops during a phase out period — raising the prospect that other states might take up similar legislation on the herbicide.
House Bill 739 (H.739) was signed by Vermont’s governor, Phil Scott, on May 26, banning the outright use and sale of paraquat dichloride – often referred to just as paraquat – effective Nov. 1, 2026.
However, the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets can permit the use, application, and sale of paraquat for fruit-producing tree orchards or any crops listed in USDA’s 13-07 Berry and Small Fruit Crop Group, including cane berries, bushberries, large shrub/tree berries, and other fruits. This permit will be allowed “only when no other less harmful pesticide would be effective in addressing an environmental or agricultural emergency,” according to the bill’s language.
The permits will be valid for not more than three years or until Dec. 31, 2030, and authorized certified paraquat applicators must receive the required training by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets “not more than one year prior to receiving a permit for authorized use of paraquat,” as the bill states.
Paraquat faces mounting criticism over possible Parkinson’s link
The herbicide has been banned or restricted in dozens of countries over supposed health concerns, including neurological health and Parkinson’s Disease risks.
Paraquat is a restricted use pesticide in the U.S., and the EPA reviews and re-evaluates pesticide on a 15-year cycle. The EPA issued an interim decision for registration review of paraquat in July 2021, which required mitigation measure to lessen the risks of paraquat, including acreage limits and restricting the equipment that can spray the chemical.
While epidemiological studies have suggested a link between paraquat and Parkinson’s, the “EPA has not found a clear link between paraquat exposure from labeled uses and adverse health outcomes such as Parkinson’s disease and cancer,” following a review of the science per FIFRA requirements, according to a government site.
Earlier this year, crop input company Syngenta announced that it will wind down production of paraquat in the U.K. by June 2026 due to competition from generics, as AgNavigator reported. Syngenta faced thousands of lawsuits and agreed to pay $187.5 million to settle a case in June 2021.
Syngenta affirmed “paraquat is safe when used in line with registered label instructions,” as shared in a press release on its paraquat exit.
EWG responds to paraquat ban
Vermont’s move to ban paraquat was praised by non-profit groups, like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which argued for lawmakers in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to pass similar legislation.
“With Vermont leading the way, states across the country now have a clear path to end the use of one of the most toxic herbicides still on the market. This is a turning point in the effort to protect public health from a chemical that has been tied to devastating neurological harm,” said Geoff Horsfield, EWG legislative director, in a statement.
