A proposal moving through the Minnesota Legislature would ban the sale and use of the herbicide paraquat in the state. Supporters say the chemical has been linked to serious health concerns, including Parkinson’s disease. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen told lawmakers that paraquat use in the state remains relatively small but has increased as more farmers use cover crops that must be terminated before planting. “In fact, I think we’ve doubled in ’25 what we used in ’24. Patient advocate Mark Kelm, who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease, told the House Agriculture Committee he believes the state should act now to eliminate the chemical from use in Minnesota. “You can talk about safety all that you want, but at some point, we have to say the danger is too great.” The proposal would prohibit paraquat sales beginning in 2027, with farmers allowed to use existing supplies through 2028.
