A recent study from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona revealed that Bayer-Monsanto is among the 100 corporations responsible for 20% of documented environmental conflicts globally. The report highlights how operations by such transnationals impose significant ecological and social harms on communities in the Global South, underpinned by globally skewed trade rules that enable these practices.

Bayer-Monsanto reaffirms its commitment to human rights by upholding international standards such as the UN Global Compact, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and ILO core labor standards. The company emphasizes ongoing measures to assess and mitigate human rights risks in its global seed supply chain, aiming to protect worker rights and promote equitable practices.

Bayer, following its 2018 acquisition of Monsanto, is embroiled in numerous lawsuits over toxic PCB products. The case highlights allegations that Monsanto knew about the toxicity of PCBs and concealed the risks, resulting in billions of dollars in settlements and ongoing legal liabilities.

Bayer/Monsanto is actively lobbying for a legislative liability shield in the farm bill, which would grant pesticide and herbicide manufacturers immunity from lawsuits related to glyphosate harms. The effort, backed by significant lobbying expenditures and a revolving door between government agencies and the company, raises concerns about regulatory capture and corporate influence over public policy.

A Pennsylvania jury handed down a $2.25 billion verdict against Bayer-Monsanto after finding that its Roundup herbicide, used for decades, was a defective and cancer-causing product. The ruling condemned decades of alleged corporate misconduct and negligence in warning consumers about the risks of the product.

Bayer has intensified its lobbying efforts and political contributions to influence state lawmakers, aiming to secure legal protections against Monsanto-related liability claims from Roundup lawsuits.

Bayer has published detailed political disclosures on its website, explaining that its U.S. Employee Political Action Committee (BAYERPAC) participates in political processes solely through voluntary employee contributions. The disclosure highlights robust governance, strict compliance with legal requirements, and an absence of corporate treasury funds for independent expenditures, reflecting a commitment to transparency and reduced corporate influence in the political arena.

Bayer released its 2023 Modern Slavery Statement, affirming its commitment to fight modern slavery, forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking. The statement highlights the company's adherence to international human rights standards including the UN Global Compact and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.