The U.S. imports and applies tens of millions of pounds of toxic paraquat each year across its farmland. Paraquat has been linked to debilitating health conditions like Parkinson’s disease, and is banned by over 70 countries. In fact, China and the United Kingdom, the countries that manufacture and export paraquat to the U.S., have banned their own farmers from using it. 

A new joint report traces a major international supply chain of paraquat, from fossil fuels to U.S. farms. Trade records reveal that SinoChem Holdings Ltd. – the world’s largest agrochemical company, owned by the government of China – profits from U.S. paraquat use, and a pesticide-dependent food system.

But this food system is not inevitable. Extensive studies show that farms that have transitioned away from pesticides can remain profitable, while protecting worker, crop, and ecosystem health.

How does paraquat reach U.S. farms? It all starts with toxic fossil fuels. Take an interactive tour.