Glyphosate, introduced in 1974 as the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, was once seen as the future of agriculture. Farmers could spray their fields, eliminate weeds with unprecedented efficiency, and increase yields while saving labor. It became central to the Green Revolution, a wave of agricultural innovation aimed at ending hunger by maximizing productivity. Glyphosate also supported the rise of no-till farming, which promised to reduce soil erosion and conserve water. By the early 21st century, it was the most widely used herbicide on Earth.
But like so many technological breakthroughs, glyphosate’s promise came with hidden costs. Resistant “superweeds” emerged, requiring farmers to use more chemicals in an escalating battle against nature. Soil health declined, biodiversity suffered, and waterways became contaminated with chemical runoff. Now, a new study from Arizona State University reveals a deeper concern: glyphosate exposure has been linked to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, with effects resembling Alzheimer’s disease.
This revelation is deeply unsettling. Glyphosate, a product of human ingenuity, now threatens the very thing that made its creation possible: our capacity to think, innovate, and adapt. Combined with broader threats to brain health—including COVID-19, air pollution, and ultra-processed diets—the stakes are clear. To secure a livable future, we must rethink the way we grow food.
Glyphosate’s Hidden Costs: Beyond the Weeds
Glyphosate was marketed as safe, targeting an enzyme pathway unique to plants. But research has shown it doesn’t stop there. Glyphosate residues have been found in food, water, and even human bodies, where they can disrupt systems critical to health.
- Ecosystems: One of the most visible consequences of glyphosate use has been the collapse of monarch butterfly populations. Glyphosate kills milkweed, the only plant where monarchs lay their eggs. Between 1999 and 2010, as glyphosate use skyrocketed, monarch numbers plummeted by 90%. The butterfly’s decline is a stark reminder of how chemical farming can unravel delicate ecological webs.
- Soil Health: Glyphosate harms the soil’s microbiome—the complex network of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that maintain soil fertility. Over time, this depletes the soil’s ability to support crops, forcing farmers into a reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
- Gut Health: Research shows glyphosate disrupts the human gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. A damaged microbiome can lead to chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.
- Neurological Impact: The Arizona State University study highlights glyphosate’s effects on the brain. Chronic exposure triggers inflammation that damages neurons, impairing memory and cognitive function. Imagine the irony: a chemical meant to improve productivity now threatens our very ability to solve problems and innovate.
A World Under Siege: The Broader Brain Inflammation Crisis
Glyphosate’s contribution to brain inflammation is part of a larger, unsettling pattern. Modern life is riddled with factors that harm neurological health:
- COVID-19: Even mild cases can lead to long-term brain inflammation, resulting in brain fog, memory loss, and increased risks of dementia.
- Air Pollution: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), emitted by cars and industrial activity, crosses the blood-brain barrier, triggering inflammation that accelerates cognitive decline.
- Ultra-Processed Foods: Diets rich in sugar and inflammatory fats contribute to systemic inflammation, further weakening brain resilience.
When layered together, these factors create a perfect storm for neurological health. Glyphosate may be just one piece of the puzzle, but its widespread presence—from breakfast cereals to groundwater—makes it a critical issue to address.
Looking Back to Move Forward: Lessons from Indigenous Agriculture
Before glyphosate and synthetic chemicals, humans fed themselves using systems that worked in harmony with nature. Indigenous agricultural practices were grounded in biodiversity, resilience, and reciprocity with the land. These systems didn’t just sustain communities; they sustained ecosystems.
One iconic example is the Three Sisters cropping system, used for centuries by Indigenous peoples like the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Corn, beans, and squash are planted together in a way that benefits all three:
- Corn provides a structure for beans to climb.
- Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for future crops.
- Squash covers the ground, suppressing weeds, and retaining moisture.
This system doesn’t just feed people; it regenerates the soil and strengthens the ecosystem, creating a cycle of abundance.
Another example is duck-in-rice farming, a practice still used in parts of Japan and China. Ducks are released into rice paddies, where they eat weeds and pests, fertilize the soil with their droppings, and aerate the water. This eliminates the need for synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers while supporting biodiversity.
These practices are deeply rooted in observation and long-term thinking. They embody a mindset that values the health of the land and the people over quick fixes or maximum yields.
The Case for a New Agricultural Paradigm
The glyphosate model is unraveling. Monocultures, chemical dependence, and short-term thinking have created a fragile system, vulnerable to climate change, pests, and soil degradation. The good news? We already have the tools to build something better.
Combining traditional wisdom with modern science offers a powerful way forward. Techniques like intercropping, cover cropping, and natural pest management can be enhanced with data-driven tools like climate modeling and precision agriculture. This approach isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about resilience.
What You Can Do Today
Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, or consumer, your choices matter:
- Farmers: Experiment with intercropping or adding cover crops to improve soil health. Explore integrating livestock for natural pest control and fertilization.
- Gardeners: Try planting a Three Sisters garden or companion planting to reduce pests naturally. These practices are simple to implement and build biodiversity.
- Consumers: Look for foods labeled as organic, regenerative, or locally grown. Support brands that prioritize sustainability. Advocate for your grocery store to carry products from regenerative farms.
- Policymakers: Push for subsidies that help farmers transition to regenerative practices. Fund research into biodiversity-based farming solutions.
- Communities: Platforms like the Agricultural Mindset community on Hive are perfect spaces to share knowledge and build momentum for change.
Why This Matters
Glyphosate was once a symbol of progress. Today, it’s a reminder of the dangers of short-sighted solutions. The Arizona State University study underscores the urgency of moving toward farming systems that heal rather than harm.
As consumers, farmers, and advocates, we have the power to create change. By supporting regenerative practices and making informed choices, we can build a food system that nourishes the land, protects our health, and fosters resilience for future generations.
Let’s work together to move beyond glyphosate and toward a future where agriculture supports both the earth and the people who call it home.
What steps are you taking to reduce reliance on chemical-intensive agriculture? Are you exploring regenerative practices, or looking for ways to start? Let’s discuss in the comments below and keep building this movement for change.