Rising Cancer Rates in Corn Belt Highlight Big Agriculture's Lack of Transparency

A recent investigation by The Washington Post has uncovered a significant increase in cancer rates among young adults across the Corn Belt, a region where large-scale agriculture predominates. The study highlights the risks associated with pesticide and fertilizer use on farms, which not only affect farm workers and communities but also pollute water and air, harm biodiversity, and undermine the resilience of the American food system. The findings demonstrate a pressing need for corporations to adopt more sustainable practices and prioritize transparency in their use of chemical-intensive farming methods.

Key Takeaways:

• Cancer rates among individuals ages 15 to 49 in the nation's leading corn-producing states are 5% higher than the national average since 2015.
• The risk of skin cancer is 35% higher for men and 66% higher for women compared with peers in other states.
• Nitrate-laced groundwater, high radon exposure, and widespread pesticide use, including glyphosate, are identified as major environmental drivers of the alarming trends.
• Shareholders have been raising concerns about the unnecessary use of chemical-intensive farming, which poses serious health risks.
• Companies like Bayer have been involved in lawsuits related to Roundup-related cancer claims, highlighting the urgency for corporate accountability on pesticide reduction.
• 28% of General Mills shareholders supported a resolution led by As You Sow calling for disclosure of pesticide reductions achieved through regenerative agriculture programs.
• As You Sow and partner investors have been engaging major food companies, agrochemical producers, and retailers to accelerate pesticide transparency and reduction.

Statistics:

• Cancer rates: 5% higher than the national average since 2015 in leading corn-producing states.
• Skin cancer risk:

+ Men: 35% higher compared with peers in other states.

+ Women: 66% higher compared with peers in other states.

• Nitrate-laced groundwater and high radon exposure contribute to alarming trends.

Sources:

• Washington Post investigation
• As You Sow Foundation press release (October 29, 2025)
• General Mills shareholder resolution (2025)