The Tobacco Playbook
Research shows that dietary and environmental exposure to glyphosate harms soil, animals, insects, and humans. So how does this chemical stay on the market?
Sometimes referred to as the “Tobacco Playbook”, elaborate public relations campaigns, lobby groups, academics, and members of government are funded by the chemical companies to persuade decision makers and the general public that their chemicals are safe, even if the scientific evidence shows quite the opposite.
The most thorough analysis to date of the glyphosate disinformation campaign is the paper The Merchants of Poison.
PR Teams
International public relations firms build strategies to counter any pesticide safety doubt or criticism.
Front Groups
Industry front groups, often with science-themed names, work to spread disinformation.
Paid Academia
University academics are paid by the chemical industry to publish pro-pesticide research to support its safety and continued use.
Revolving Door
Influential government officials can cycle between their government position and the chemical industry, generating significant conflict of interest.
Embracing Skepticism
Companies selling toxins can act as if they are concerned for public health if they use the tactic of “embracing skepticism”.
Actionable Next Steps
When reading research or a news article that is pro-GMO or pro-pesticides, always assess who the author is and whether or not they might be compensated by industry to publicly support agricultural chemical products. Follow the money.
