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Podcasts > Shawn Ryan Show > #290 Zach Lahn - Inside America’s Cancer-Causing Chemical Problem

#290 Zach Lahn - Inside America’s Cancer-Causing Chemical Problem

By Shawn Ryan Show

In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Zach Lahn examines the decline of family farms in America and its effects on rural communities. He shares data showing the loss of 100,000 family farms over the past decade, along with insights from his own family's farming history in Iowa, while exploring how corporate consolidation has transformed the agricultural landscape.

The discussion covers the environmental and health impacts of industrial farming practices, with a focus on water contamination from agricultural chemicals and their potential health risks. Lahn also addresses the relationship between agricultural lobbies and political decision-making, including how industry spending influences policy and regulation, particularly regarding chemical usage in farming.

#290 Zach Lahn - Inside America’s Cancer-Causing Chemical Problem

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#290 Zach Lahn - Inside America’s Cancer-Causing Chemical Problem

1-Page Summary

The Decline of Family Farms and Rural Communities

Zach Lahn discusses the rapid disappearance of family farms and its impact on rural communities. He reports that Iowa alone has lost 10,000 family farms in the past two decades, while nationally, 100,000 family farms have closed during the last ten years. This decline, Lahn explains, stems from consolidation, corporatization, and external investors buying farmland. He notes that the agricultural input market has shrunk from over 300 companies to just three controlling 85% of the market.

Lahn shares his personal connection to this crisis through his family farm in Belle Plaine, Iowa, which dates back to 1850. He emphasizes that as family farms vanish, rural communities lose their cultural identity and social fabric. The replacement of local businesses with chain stores further erodes these communities' economic foundation.

Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Industrial Agriculture

According to Lahn, Iowa's water supply faces severe contamination from agricultural chemicals, with state wells containing up to nine different agricultural chemicals. He notes that Des Moines has had to build the world's largest water treatment plant just to remove nitrates from drinking water.

Lahn raises particular concerns about glyphosate, pointing out that while the EU banned its US formulation, American regulators continue to allow its use. He connects widespread glyphosate use to Iowa's record-high cancer rates over the past 30 years, citing evidence linking the chemical to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and DNA damage.

Agricultural Lobbies' Political Power and Lack of Accountability

Lahn reveals that agribusiness lobbies have spent $1.5 billion on Congress in the past decade, while the top five companies earned about $150 billion in profit. He criticizes a recent executive order that invoked the Defense Production Act to increase glyphosate production, describing it as a way to shield companies from product liability while burdening taxpayers.

Lahn also points out that politicians often ignore these crises due to industry influence or ignorance. He particularly criticizes the provision of tax credits to foreign-owned companies at the expense of local businesses, highlighting the concerning relationship between agricultural companies and political decision-makers.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The consolidation of the agricultural input market could be seen as a result of economies of scale, which can lead to more efficient production and potentially lower prices for consumers.
  • The decline of family farms may also be influenced by factors such as technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and globalization, not solely consolidation and corporatization.
  • While local businesses are important, chain stores can provide jobs and may offer lower prices due to their larger scale, which can be beneficial for consumers in rural communities.
  • The presence of agricultural chemicals in water supplies is concerning, but it is important to note that water treatment plants are designed to ensure water safety for consumers.
  • The use of glyphosate and other agricultural chemicals is subject to regulatory oversight, and there is ongoing scientific debate about the health impacts of glyphosate, with some studies showing no clear evidence of harm at levels humans typically encounter.
  • The political influence of agribusiness lobbies is a complex issue, and lobbying is a legal part of the democratic process that allows various sectors, including agriculture, to represent their interests.
  • The invocation of the Defense Production Act for glyphosate production could be defended as a measure to ensure the availability of an important agricultural tool that supports food production.
  • Tax credits and incentives for foreign-owned companies may be part of broader economic strategies to attract investment, stimulate innovation, and create jobs in the agricultural sector.
  • The relationship between agricultural companies and political decision-makers can also involve collaboration on policy development to support the agricultural industry, which is a significant part of the national economy.

Actionables

  • You can support local farmers by purchasing directly from them or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, which helps sustain family farms and contributes to the local economy. By buying a share of a local farm's harvest, you're ensuring that your money goes directly to the farmers, and you're also likely to get fresher, less chemically-treated produce. Look for farmers' markets, local farm stands, or CSA programs in your area to get started.
  • Consider reducing your use of products containing harmful chemicals, such as certain pesticides, by choosing organic or certified non-GMO foods when possible. This personal choice can contribute to decreased demand for chemically-intensive agriculture, potentially influencing market trends and reducing environmental contamination. Start by identifying the most commonly consumed items in your household and seeking out their organic counterparts.
  • Engage with local policymakers by writing letters or emails expressing your concerns about agricultural policies and their impact on community health and the environment. Even if you're not an expert, sharing your perspective as a concerned citizen can bring attention to these issues. Research the specific policies affecting your area, and use your personal experiences or observations to illustrate why change is necessary.

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#290 Zach Lahn - Inside America’s Cancer-Causing Chemical Problem

The Decline of Family Farms and Rural Communities

Zach Lahn draws attention to the alarming rate at which family farms are disappearing and how this phenomenon is eroding the foundation of rural communities.

Collapse of 100,000 Iowa Family Farms Over 20 Years

Decline Factors: Consolidation, Corporatization, External Farmland Investors

Lahn states that Iowa has lost 10,000 family farms in the past 20 years. He attributes this decline to various factors including consolidation, corporatization of farming practices, and the purchase of farmland by external investors. Lahn also discusses the significant reduction in competition in the agriculture input market from over 300 companies to three big companies controlling 85% of the market, leading to an illusion of choice for farmers. He points out the troubling presence of a foreign-owned agricultural company, Syngenta, in Iowa, which highlights the growing influence of global entities in local farming sectors.

Lahn mentions that during the last ten years, while agriculture companies' profits increased by $150 billion, 100,000 family farms were closed across the nation. This trend is mirrored in Iowa's loss of family farms, combined with a disturbing 50% increase in the suicide rate among farmers. Lahn notes that many farms are no longer owned by those who farm but by people who have never farmed or by external investors. He cites the example of land in Iowa traditionally used for farming is now being appropriated by tech giants like Google and QTS to build data centers, incentivized by huge tax rebates but creating minimal jobs. Lahn stresses that such corporate advantage and land use do not benefit local communities proportionately.

Impact on Rural Communities: Loss of Family Farms Erodes Culture and Identity

Exploring the deeper implications, Lahn emphasizes that as farms vanish, the vitality of rural areas dissipates, impacting the social and cultural fabric of these communities. He highlights the condition of rural communities in Iowa and the Midwest as on "life support" due to the decline of family farms. Lahn believes that the decline of family farms and lower church attendance reflect cultural issues that cannot be remedied by market solutions.

Lahn shares his own deep family roots in Iowa, dating back to 1850 when his ancestors settled in the state and fought in the Civil War. He values his personal connection to his family farm in Belle Plaine, which he repurchased and restored to honor his heritage and the history it represents. Lahn's story reveals the emotional and cultural significance of family farms to their owners and communities.

Lahn also expresses a desire for his children to recognize their history and understand the dedication of their predecessors, including their roles in the Civil War. He refl ...

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The Decline of Family Farms and Rural Communities

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The consolidation of the agriculture input market may lead to increased efficiency and lower prices for consumers due to economies of scale.
  • External farmland investors can bring in capital, technology, and innovative farming practices that might improve productivity and sustainability.
  • Corporatization does not necessarily mean the loss of family values or community spirit; corporations can engage in community-building activities and support local initiatives.
  • The presence of foreign-owned companies like Syngenta can be a sign of a healthy, open economy that attracts international investment and expertise.
  • The increase in suicide rates among farmers may have complex causes beyond the loss of family farms, such as mental health issues, market volatility, and climate change impacts.
  • Tech giants building data centers on farmland may represent a transition to a more diversified and modern economy, which can provide different types of jobs and growth opportunities.
  • Chain stores replacing small-town country stores can offer lower prices and a wider selection of goods, which can be beneficial to consumers in rural areas.
  • Market-driven economic thinking can coexist with community values, and finding a balance between the two can lead ...

Actionables

  • You can support local farmers by purchasing directly from them or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. By doing this, you're investing your food dollars into the local economy and helping to sustain family farms. Look for farmers' markets, local farm stands, or CSA programs in your area where you can buy seasonal produce, meats, and other products directly from the growers.
  • Consider dedicating a portion of your investment portfolio to community investment funds that focus on sustainable agriculture. This strategy allows you to contribute financially to the preservation of family farms while potentially earning a return on your investment. Research funds that provide capital to small-scale farmers or that invest in local agricultural initiatives, ensuring that your money is helping to counteract the trend of farmland consolidation.
  • Engage with your local community to raise aware ...

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Zeihan is a strategist and consultant known for his expertise in global affairs. In this guide, we’ll present Zeihan’s argument that our current prosperity is about to end, and what difficulties we can expect in the tumultuous decades to come. We’ll also examine the views of other experts as to whether current global trends confirm or contradict Zeihan’s predictions, as well as what solutions might mitigate the challenges Zeihan foresees.

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#290 Zach Lahn - Inside America’s Cancer-Causing Chemical Problem

Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Industrial Agriculture

Zach Lahn and Shawn Ryan discuss the serious environmental and public health implications of industrial agriculture, emphasizing on Iowa's water contamination, cancer rates, and the challenges within the industry.

Iowa's Water Supply Contaminated by Runoff and Pollution

Need For Large Water Treatment Systems to Address Nitrate and Pollutant Challenges

Zach Lahn cites extensive contamination in Iowa's water supply, linking it to pollution from agriculture. In Iowa, people contend with as many as six to nine agricultural chemicals in state wells. The state’s low population density contrasts sharply with its having to construct the world's largest water treatment plant to remove nitrates. This plant in Des Moines struggles to keep up with the volume of chemicals polluting the water. Indeed, so serious are these water quality issues that developers in Des Moines are installing reverse osmosis systems in homes to ensure water purification.

Lahn details how previously, a nitrate removal system would extract nitrogen, then dump it back into the river, but now biological methods are being used to break down products like these. He highlights that the nitrogen from fertilizer ends up in waterways and ultimately reaches major urban areas. This overload in the water supply sometimes leads to advisories against lawn watering because the system is overwhelmed and unable to filter out the chemicals rapidly.

Cancer Rates and Health Issues Linked To Harmful Pesticides Like Glyphosate

Zach Lahn engages in debates regarding the use of agrochemicals, particularly glyphosate, questioning the necessity of its use given that only a minimal portion of Iowa's farmland directly contributes to human food production. He points out the stark contrast in Roundup use between the US and the EU, citing that Monsanto reformulated the substance to a less toxic version for the EU, which banned the US formulation. Moreover, internal Monsanto emails revealed that glyphosate-based herbicides could be made safer than the current formulation.

Glyphosate's dangers are further detailed by Lahn discussing POEAs, which are part of the Roundup formulation. This compound is designed to break down plant skins but can also break human skin, leading to greater harm. Lahn suggests a connection between widespread glyphosate use and the record rate of new cancer cases in Iowa over the past 30 years. Despite glyphosate being considered from an acute toxicity standpoint as one of the safer pesticides, there is evidence, Lahn notes, of its link to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and its genotoxicity.

Glyphosate disrupts the cell replication cycle, particularly in bone marrow leading to DNA damage, a pathway to cancer. Lahn criticizes the EPA for only testing the toxicity on the pure molecule and not the more harmful formulated herbicides, unlike the EU, which considers dose-dependent exposure and has officially classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen.

The topic of allowable glyphosate levels in crops is also tackled; Lahn mentions a 20,000% increase in permissible levels on oats due to industrial lobbying. He suggests that the current reference dose model, which s ...

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Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Industrial Agriculture

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The link between agricultural chemical use and cancer rates is complex and multifactorial; other environmental and lifestyle factors may also contribute to cancer incidence.
  • While glyphosate has been classified as a probable carcinogen by some agencies, other scientific bodies and regulatory agencies maintain that when used according to label instructions, it is safe for human health.
  • The increase in allowable glyphosate levels in crops could be due to advancements in scientific understanding and risk assessment, rather than solely industrial lobbying.
  • The presence of agricultural chemicals in water supplies does not necessarily equate to harm; concentrations must be considered in the context of established safety thresholds.
  • Water treatment challenges are not unique to areas with industrial agriculture; urban runoff and other non-agricultural sources can also contribute significantly to water pollution.
  • The use of reverse osmosis systems in homes may be a proactive measure for water quality assurance rather than a direct response to agricultural runoff.
  • The adoption of biological methods for nitrate removal represents progress in reducing environmental impact and may mitigate some of the concerns raised.
  • The loss of generational agricultural wisdom is a concern, but it is also impo ...

Actionables

  • You can reduce your exposure to agricultural chemicals by starting an organic home garden. By growing your own fruits and vegetables without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, you'll have more control over what goes into your body. Start with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, herbs, or lettuce, and use natural compost to fertilize your soil.
  • Opt for a water filtration system that targets agricultural contaminants for your home. Research and invest in a high-quality water filter that specifically removes nitrates, glyphosate, and other common agricultural chemicals. This can help minimize your personal health risks associated with contaminated water.
  • Support local farmer ...

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#290 Zach Lahn - Inside America’s Cancer-Causing Chemical Problem

Agricultural Lobbies' Political Power and Lack of Accountability

An analysis by Zach Lahn reveals deep concerns over the political power wielded by agricultural lobbyists and the legal immunity agricultural companies seek for product consequences, emphasizing the impact on public health and taxpayer burdens.

$1.5 Billion Lobbying by Agricultural Companies Leads To Regulatory Capture and Corporate Profit Prioritization Over Public Health

According to Zach Lahn, the agribusiness lobby has spent a staggering $1.5 billion lobbying Congress in the past ten years, which correlates with the top five companies earning about $150 billion in profit. Meanwhile, family farms have been on the decline. This significant expenditure on lobbying suggests that there is regulatory capture, where lobbyists can sway policymakers to benefit corporate interests over public health.

Politicians Ignore Crisis Due to Ignorance or Special Interests

Lahn indicates that politicians appear to be ignoring the pressing issues due to the influence of these lobbies. Syngenta, for example, can petition the EPA to change allowable glyphosate levels, revealing the agricultural industry's control over regulatory bodies. He criticizes politicians who, swayed by industry lobbies or through their own ignorance, often neglect big issues like the impact of glyphosate. The legal use of hazardous products like Paraquat and the continued support of these companies through government actions, such as refundable tax credits for foreign-owned companies, show a clear conflict of interest and lack of protection for public health.

Lahn also criticizes the state government of Iowa for providing tax credits to Chinese-owned companies, implying a questionable preference for foreign entities over local businesses.

The conversation focuses on recent federal actions that highlight the controversial relationship between agricultural companies and politicians.

Zach Lahn's Opposition: Order Shields Companies, Burdens Taxpayers

Zach Lahn is vocally opposed to an executive order that invoked the Defense Production Act to increase glyphosate production. He perceives this action as a means of shielding companies from the consequences of their products while placing undue burdens on taxpayers. The executive order issued on February 18th confers immunity to Bayer, a mo ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Agricultural Lobbies' Political Power and Lack of Accountability

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Lobbying is a legitimate part of the democratic process, allowing industries to communicate their needs and perspectives to policymakers.
  • The profitability of agricultural companies may be due to efficient business practices and innovation, not solely because of lobbying efforts.
  • Regulatory agencies, such as the EPA, have scientific review processes in place to determine the safety levels of chemicals like glyphosate, which may differ from public opinion.
  • Tax credits and incentives for foreign-owned companies could be part of broader economic strategies to attract investment and create jobs, not necessarily a preference over local businesses.
  • The use of the Defense Production Act can be justified as a necessary measure to ensure the availability of essential products for national security or public welfare.
  • Legal immunity for certain products may be granted in exceptional circumstances to encourage production and availability, especially during crises where the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
  • The executive order to boost glyphosate production could be seen as a response to a supply shortage or agricultural demand, rather than a move to protect corporate interests.
  • The decline of family farms may be attributed to a variety of factors, including market competition, technological changes, and consumer preferences, rather than solely the inf ...

Actionables

  • You can support local farmers by purchasing directly from them or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, which helps to counteract the decline of family farms and reduces reliance on large agricultural companies. By doing this, you're investing in your community and ensuring that your money goes directly to the producers, which can help sustain their operations in the face of corporate competition.
  • You can educate yourself on the ingredients and chemicals in your food by using apps or online databases that track and explain the presence of substances like glyphosate in consumer products. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about what you consume and supports your health and safety by avoiding potentially hazardous chemicals.
  • You can express your concerns and advocate for change by contacting ...

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