U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday aimed at strengthening domestic glyphosate production, describing the herbicide as “essential” to the country’s food security.
Glyphosate-based herbicides such as Roundup are among the most widely used products in American agriculture. However, only one producer is currently operating in the United States, and its output does not meet national demand, forcing the country to rely on imports.
The occupant of the White House has therefore urged the Secretary of Agriculture to take measures, including regulatory adjustments, to facilitate domestic production of glyphosate as well as phosphorus, a key chemical component required for its manufacture.
According to the White House, demand “far exceeds current production,” and the threat of a reduction or halt in output poses a serious risk to national security and defense, including the security of the food supply.
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum, systemic, and non-selective herbicide widely used in agriculture and gardening to eliminate weeds. It works by blocking an enzyme essential to plant growth.
Its use remains the subject of intense debate and increasingly strict regulations in several countries, particularly regarding the reduction of non-agricultural applications.
