Syngenta Announces End of Paraquat Production

By Scout Nelson

Stephen Robertson, SDSU Extension Pesticide Education Field Specialist, along with John Ball, Eric Jones, Graig Reicks, and Philip Rozeboom, highlighted key updates on paraquat use and safety in agriculture. On March 3, 2026, Syngenta announced plans to end production and sales of Gramoxone, a well-known herbicide containing paraquat. Production will end by June 30, 2026, and sales will stop once supplies are used or by December 31, 2026.

Gramoxone has been widely used for weed control in crops such as corn and soybeans. Paraquat works quickly by stopping plant growth through contact. Farmers use it for burndown applications, orchard weed control, and pre-harvest drying of crops like soybeans and sunflowers.

Paraquat has a long history, first developed in 1961 and used commercially since the early 1960s. It remains effective but carries serious health risks. It is labeled “Danger-Poison” due to its high toxicity. Even small amounts can be harmful if swallowed. This concern has led to many lawsuits against manufacturers.

Syngenta cites strong competition from smaller companies as the main reason for stopping production. However, legal pressure and safety concerns may also play a role. Even after this decision, paraquat products will still be available because other companies continue to manufacture them. Several registered products remain in use, and farmers can find these through official pesticide databases.

Experts encourage farmers to explore both chemical and non-chemical alternatives for weed control. Different specialists are available to guide farmers based on crop type and application.

Safety remains very important. Users must follow all label instructions and take steps to reduce exposure. While paraquat is effective, it carries serious risks, and farmers should fully understand these risks before use. Proper protective equipment and careful handling help reduce harm to people, animals, and the environment.

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