Syngenta targeted by international protests against pesticide use

Thousands of protesters participated in an international mobilization against the agrochemical industry, specifically targeting major firms such as Syngenta, BASF, Bayer, and Corteva.

In France, a large demonstration took place in Saint-Pierre-la-Garenne, Eure, near a Syngenta plant. Organizers, including the Confédération Paysanne, Soulèvements de la Terre, and Cancer Colère, reported between 8,000 and 15,000 participants. Protesters expressed concerns regarding the health impacts of pesticides, citing increased cancer rates and soil/water contamination. They also opposed recent agricultural emergency laws and European pesticide regulations.

Simultaneous actions occurred in Switzerland, with approximately 300 demonstrators marching in Basel and Monthey. Swiss protesters demanded greater transparency regarding chemical substances produced by Syngenta and called for the ‘polluter pays’ principle to be applied to environmental and health damages.