Corteva ends toxic herbicide for planet health

February 10, 2026

Agricultural chemical company Corteva has announced it will discontinue production of Enlist Duo, a controversial herbicide long criticized by environmental advocates for its potential risks to human health and ecosystems. The product contains a combination of glyphosate and 2,4-D, a chemical linked to Agent Orange, both of which have been associated with cancer and environmental damage.

Enlist Duo has faced years of scrutiny due to its chemical composition. One of its key ingredients, 2,4-D, was a major component of Agent Orange, which the U.S. military used during the Vietnam War. Exposure to Agent Orange caused severe health issues among veterans and civilians, including birth defects and chronic illnesses.

Glyphosate, another primary ingredient, is widely debated for its safety. Numerous lawsuits and scientific studies have raised concerns about its links to cancer and long-term ecological harm. As a result, many developed nations have banned or restricted both substances.

Widespread use despite safety warnings

Despite warnings from scientists and advocacy groups, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Enlist Duo for agricultural use. The herbicide was applied annually to approximately 4.5 million acres of farmland, primarily on corn, soybeans, and genetically modified cotton.

Critics argue that combining these chemicals increases toxicity and accelerates environmental degradation. Conservation organizations have also warned that Enlist Duo contributes to the rise of herbicide-resistant “superweeds,” making crop management more difficult for farmers.

Legal battles lead to product withdrawal

The discontinuation of Enlist Duo follows more than ten years of legal challenges and public campaigns led by environmental groups. The Center for Food Safety (CFS), a leading plaintiff in the lawsuits, described the decision as a major victory.

Kristina Sinclair, a staff attorney with CFS, stated that Corteva chose to withdraw the product rather than continue defending it in court. She emphasized that removing Enlist Duo helps protect food systems from unnecessary chemical exposure.

In 2022, Corteva reported over $1 billion in sales from its Enlist product line. However, company representatives explained that Enlist Duo accounted for only about 1% of overall sales, making its discontinuation part of a broader effort to streamline operations.

Enlist One and ongoing lawsuits

While Enlist Duo is being phased out, Corteva will continue producing Enlist One, which still contains 2,4-D. Legal action challenging the approval of Enlist One remains ongoing, and environmental groups are seeking to overturn its authorization.

2,4-D works by disrupting plant growth, causing abnormal cell production that ultimately kills weeds. The World Health Organization classifies the chemical as a “possible carcinogen.” Studies have linked it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, respiratory disorders, neurological disease, reproductive harm, and birth defects.

Impact on wildlife and endangered species

Court filings from advocacy groups indicate that Enlist Duo threatens hundreds of endangered species, including butterflies, birds, bats, fish, and large mammals. Environmental experts argue that insufficient safeguards were implemented to protect vulnerable ecosystems.

They also claim the EPA failed to properly assess long-term environmental risks, leading to underestimated damage and increased chemical dependency in agriculture.

Controversial EPA approval process

The EPA initially approved Enlist Duo in 2014 without conducting mandatory consultations under the Endangered Species Act. Environmental organizations challenged the decision, arguing that it violated federal pesticide regulations.

In 2020, a federal court overturned the approval. However, the agency reauthorized the herbicide in 2022 for seven more years, citing revised risk assessments. Critics maintain that these evaluations relied on outdated data and minimized real-world exposure levels.

Nathan Donley, environmental health director at the Center for Biological Diversity, criticized the agency’s approach, stating that regulators focus on technical adjustments rather than meaningful reform.

According to Donley, when courts identify regulatory failures, the EPA prioritizes rapid reapproval instead of improving safety standards. He argued that commercial interests often outweigh public health considerations.

Growing pressure for stronger pesticide regulation

The end of Enlist Duo production highlights increasing pressure on chemical manufacturers and regulators to prioritize environmental protection and public safety. Advocacy groups continue to push for stricter oversight, improved risk assessments, and reduced reliance on hazardous pesticides.

As public awareness grows, experts say this decision could signal a shift toward more sustainable agricultural practices and stronger regulatory accountability.