The Glyphosate Debate

September 14, 2018

THE CASE
If you’ve been watching the news as of late, you probably heard about a record lawsuit in California. A state court recently ordered Monsanto to pay $289 million in damages to a groundskeeper who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a form of cancer). In the landmark case, the plaintiff argued that decades of exposure to RoundUp™ (the trade name for Monsanto’s glyphosate chemistry) led to his medical condition. After listening to arguments from both sides, a jury of 12 sided with the plaintiff. Monsanto has already stated multiple times that it will 1.) appeal the decision and 2.) continue to defend the position that glyphosate is a safe chemistry that has been used for decades. As of September 5, 2018, over 8700 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto. Regardless of anyone’s opinion on the verdict, there can be no doubt the floodgates have been opened to many more impending lawsuits. Right now, glyphosate is in the hot seat, but one has to wonder if other pesticides will be next.

A man is holding a bottle of roundup in a store

Even though Turf Care Supply Corp. does not, and has never offered glyphosate in any of its products, this trending topic has led to a significant increase in customer questions. Many customers have also inquired whether or not glyphosate is safe to use. Since there are multiple opinions on the topic, we decided to only provide the facts. This way you can decide whether you think it’s safe after we reveal the details of the Glyphosate Debate.

In this feature, we’ll learn how glyphosate works and why it’s been a frequently used tool in ag for many years. Most importantly, we’ll examine what authoritative bodies have to say regarding whether or not glyphosate is safe. We’ll also review the precautions consumers should take should they decide to use this herbicide. 

 

THE FACTS

 What is glyphosate?  

Glyphosate is a non-selective, broad spectrum, systemic herbicide designed to kill most plants. Glyphosate is an organophosphonate that inhibits an enzyme found only in plants called 5-enolpyruvylshikijmate-3-phosphate synthase. Essentially, glyphosate prevents plants from being able to synthesize three key aromatic amino acids. Since amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are what catalyze metabolic reactions in all organisms, once plants can no longer synthesize these amino acids, they starve and eventually die. Glyphosate is applied foliarly and translocated to mitotic sites in the plant. Glyphosate begins to desiccate many plants within 6-12 hours and can kill smaller weeds in only a few days. 

 

 How Did Glyphosate Impact the Ag Industry?

Glyphosate was introduced to the market in 1974 as a means of killing weeds in farm fields. A few decades later, Monsanto came out with Round-Up™ Readycrops. These genetically modified crops were given genes that essentially made them resistant to the effects of glyphosate. The release of RoundUp™ Readycrops was a monumental game changer in ag worldwide; farmers could now spray their fields with glyphosate and effectively kill all the weeds that were competing for space and nutrients without harming the crops. As a result, crop yields increased significantly. RoundUp™ Ready crops are used all over the world today, and are a key component to helping farmers deliver consistently high yields. 

A tractor is spraying a field of plants with a sprayer.

The success of this technology has also brought about a few challenges. As is with any population within species, genetic variation exists from one organism to another. Applying this principal on a large scale, it is expected that some weeds are naturally more resistant to glyphosate than others. For example, in a field of millions of weeds (assuming all of the same species), if a few hundred weeds are glyphosate-resistant, these weeds will breed and produce an entire generation of glyphosate-resistant weeds; hence the problem of herbicide resistance. When this occurs, glyphosate’s efficacy becomes markedly reduced or completely inhibited. Agronomists, geneticists, molecular biologists, and chemists are constantly trying to stay ahead of the resistance curve, as this problem extends to all classes of pesticides (including insecticides and fungicides). Many are concerned about proliferation of “super-weeds” (or super-resistant weeds) in the ecosystem, making the use of glyphosate on a large scale a topic of controversy. Although this concern merits discussion, glyphosate is currently in the hot seat because of the accusation that it causes cancer, not that it results in the release of super weeds into the environment.

Confirmed glyphosate resistant weeds in the u.s.

RESEARCH & RESULTS
Is Glyphosate DANGEROUS or Safe? Learn what authoritative bodies have to say about it...
Given the recent news, the one lingering question on everyone’s mind is: “Is glyphosate safe?” In other words, “Does short or long term exposure to glyphosate cause cancer or other adverse effects?” You be the judge! Review the results and responses of authoritative bodies below on the amount of risk they have found glyphosate has to human health (when used as directed).  

A logo for the environmental protection agency is shown on a white background
A page from the national pesticide information center
A white page with a lot of text on it.
A german federal institute for risk assessment is written on a white background
A white sheet of paper with a lot of text on it.
A page from the european chemicals agency

 CONCLUSION

 No Matter the Level of Risk you Decide, Taking Proper Precautions is Best

As is with any pesticide, if you chose to use it, make sure you follow the instructions on the label precisely to ensure maximum efficacy and safety. If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer. Most glyphosate labels will contain the following language:

  • Avoid contact with eyes or clothing.
  • Wear personal protective clothing (wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks and shoes).
  • Wash hands thoroughly before eating or drinking
  • Pets: glyphosate is generally non-toxic to dogs, cats, and most domestic animals, however ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation. If swallowed provide animal with adequate drinking water and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist more than 24 hours
  • Keep container stored away from water, food, feed, or seed. Avoid spills and surface contamination.




For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
 
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service to find a distributor near you.

Resources:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-releases-draft-risk-assessments-glyphosate
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/glyphogen.html#cancer
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/reports-publications/pesticides-pest-management/decisions-updates/registration-decision/2017/glyphosate-rvd-2017-01.html#a1
https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2015/03/24/german-agency-says-iarc-glyphosate-decision-based-on-poor-evidence/
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/water-quality/guidelines/chemicals/glyphosate-fs-2017.pdf?ua=1
https://monographs.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mono112-10.pdf
https://echa.europa.eu/-/glyphosate-not-classified-as-a-carcinogen-by-echa

Pictures:
Glyphosate 01 (RoundUp) - https://cbsla.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/gettyimages-994997314.jpg
Glyphosate 02 (U.S. weed resistance) - http://i.pinimg.com/736x/0d/da/e0/0ddae08cb282b3d4cf0042069b3add5f.jpg
Glyphosate 03 (mode of action) - https://www.cell.com/cms/attachment/2007962229/2030677672/gr1.jpg?code=cell-site
Glyphosate 04 (RoundUp Ready Crops) - https://detoxproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/eat-gm-crops-eat-roundup.jpg
Glyphosate 05 (Glyphosate Ruling) - https://ecowatchroar-img.rbl.ms/simage/https%3A%2F%2Fassets.rbl.ms%2F9685886%2F1200x600.jpg/2000%2C2000/N8308fFc97JviZ%2FW/img.jpg
Glyphosate 06 (how glyphosate resistant crops are made) - https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/oww-files-public/2/23/Fig_6_10.jpg
EPA logo - https://sites.lafayette.edu/egrs251-fa11-greywater/files/2011/11/epa-logo-11.jpg
NPIC logo - https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/styles/medium/public/2015-04/npic.jpg?itok=63kt0H7q
CPMA logo - http://pestworldcanada.net/PCA_Canada/cache/file/D8938540-E3BE-5D24-BA00BDF56ACF89FF_opengraphsharingimage.jpg
German Federal Institute For Risk Assessment logo - https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/BfR-Logo.svg/300px-BfR-Logo.svg.png
WHO Cancer Research logo - http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IARC.WHO-Logo-High-Res.png
European Chemicals Agenecy logo -https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/sr/7/7a/European_chemicals_agency_logo.jpg

The TURFReport Highlights:

Additional Articles and Insights

January 30, 2026
White Plains, NY – January 30, 2026 – Interoceanic Corporation (“IOC”) announced today that its affiliate Spring Valley USA (Spring Valley) , has acquired the blending and packaging assets and business of Turf Care Supply, LLC, a leading manufacturer and blender of turf and ornamental fertilizers as well as ice melt. The combination of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply’s blending business, forms one of the largest independent lawn and garden fertilizer platforms in North America. The integrated business will have approximately 250 employees and will operate eight manufacturing and blending facilities across seven states, enabling coast-to-coast coverage of customers. By uniting two highly complementary companies, this acquisition creates a world-class turf & ornamental supply company positioned to deliver enhanced value to both professional and retail customers. “This acquisition is a transformative step for our organization,” said Elio Mazzella , President of IOC and Spring Valley. “By bringing Turf Care Supply into the IOC family, we are significantly expanding our reach and capabilities in serving the lawn and garden industry. The combined company will have an unrivaled production footprint and product portfolio, which means we can offer our customers faster service, greater efficiency, and innovative solutions on a national scale. Our goal is to build a world-class platform that blends the strengths of both businesses – the supply chain efficiencies of the combined business and the family-business values – will drive growth for our customers and vendor partners.” With the closing of the transaction, Turf Care Supply, LLC will be renamed Allied Nutrients and continue to manufacture leading enhanced efficiency fertilizers (“EEF”) out of its Martins Ferry, Ohio facility. Mark Mangan, President of Allied Nutrients, commented, “we want to thank our long-time employees that will be joining the IOC family and wish them well. We have known the IOC team for many years and believe this will be a great home. At the same time, we are excited for our remaining employees as we focus our resources and efforts on providing the best EEF solutions to the turf and ornamental market.” With this acquisition, the combined company now operates manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, giving it the ability to blend and package fertilizer products and ice melt closer to customers in every major region. Turf Care Supply’s sites in Hatfield (MA), Sebring (FL), Cleveland (TN), and Catoosa (OK) will join Spring Valley’s existing plants in Jackson (WI), Fostoria (OH), Greenville (TX), and Longwood (FL). This expanded footprint significantly reduces transit times and enhances supply reliability for our customers. Maintaining strong customer relationships during and after the integration is a top priority. “All of our customers will continue to receive the outstanding service and product quality they expect, now with the added benefit of a truly national production network,” Mazzella added. Each major customer will be supported by an expanded team dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing success. Strategically, the merger of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply unlocks significant commercial synergies that will benefit both our customers and vendor partners. Together, the company will offer the most comprehensive product portfolio in the industry. “This combination is about building a platform that is perfectly suited to support our customers growth,” said Mazzella. “By combining our R&D and product development efforts, we intend to bring new, high-value solutions to market that neither company could have achieved alone.” The integration of the two businesses is already underway, with a focus on maintaining operational continuity and exceptional customer service throughout the spring season. The company also emphasized that all Turf Care Supply employees are being welcomed into the organization, and that the combined workforce will play a crucial role in driving the business forward. “This is an exciting moment for all of us. By uniting two great teams, we’re creating a stronger company with a shared commitment to our customers’ and vendors success, ” Mazzella noted. About Interoceanic Corporation (IOC): Based in White Plains, NY, IOC is a diversified family-owned company specializing in the production, marketing, and distribution of fertilizer and industrial chemical products. Other notable affiliates of IOC are PCI Nitrogen, Columbia River Nitrogen and EM² Enterprises. With this transaction, the group of businesses consist of over 600 employees. IOC’s family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and supply chain expertise have driven its growth from a regional fertilizer distributor into an international platform that provides reliable, high-quality products. About Allied Nutrients: Based in Brunswick, OH, Allied Nutrients specializes in providing enhanced efficiency fertilizers that support turfgrass and ornamental plant health. Through world-class manufacturing and research and development, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, including SCU, PCU, PCSCU, reacted slow-release nitrogen, and urease inhibitors. These solutions are marketed under leading brands, such as XCU, TTRU, UFLEXX, UMAXX, Nutralene, and Nitroform. 
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April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
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October 9, 2024
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October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
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June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
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January 30, 2026
White Plains, NY – January 30, 2026 – Interoceanic Corporation (“IOC”) announced today that its affiliate Spring Valley USA (Spring Valley) , has acquired the blending and packaging assets and business of Turf Care Supply, LLC, a leading manufacturer and blender of turf and ornamental fertilizers as well as ice melt. The combination of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply’s blending business, forms one of the largest independent lawn and garden fertilizer platforms in North America. The integrated business will have approximately 250 employees and will operate eight manufacturing and blending facilities across seven states, enabling coast-to-coast coverage of customers. By uniting two highly complementary companies, this acquisition creates a world-class turf & ornamental supply company positioned to deliver enhanced value to both professional and retail customers. “This acquisition is a transformative step for our organization,” said Elio Mazzella , President of IOC and Spring Valley. “By bringing Turf Care Supply into the IOC family, we are significantly expanding our reach and capabilities in serving the lawn and garden industry. The combined company will have an unrivaled production footprint and product portfolio, which means we can offer our customers faster service, greater efficiency, and innovative solutions on a national scale. Our goal is to build a world-class platform that blends the strengths of both businesses – the supply chain efficiencies of the combined business and the family-business values – will drive growth for our customers and vendor partners.” With the closing of the transaction, Turf Care Supply, LLC will be renamed Allied Nutrients and continue to manufacture leading enhanced efficiency fertilizers (“EEF”) out of its Martins Ferry, Ohio facility. Mark Mangan, President of Allied Nutrients, commented, “we want to thank our long-time employees that will be joining the IOC family and wish them well. We have known the IOC team for many years and believe this will be a great home. At the same time, we are excited for our remaining employees as we focus our resources and efforts on providing the best EEF solutions to the turf and ornamental market.” With this acquisition, the combined company now operates manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, giving it the ability to blend and package fertilizer products and ice melt closer to customers in every major region. Turf Care Supply’s sites in Hatfield (MA), Sebring (FL), Cleveland (TN), and Catoosa (OK) will join Spring Valley’s existing plants in Jackson (WI), Fostoria (OH), Greenville (TX), and Longwood (FL). This expanded footprint significantly reduces transit times and enhances supply reliability for our customers. Maintaining strong customer relationships during and after the integration is a top priority. “All of our customers will continue to receive the outstanding service and product quality they expect, now with the added benefit of a truly national production network,” Mazzella added. Each major customer will be supported by an expanded team dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing success. Strategically, the merger of Spring Valley and Turf Care Supply unlocks significant commercial synergies that will benefit both our customers and vendor partners. Together, the company will offer the most comprehensive product portfolio in the industry. “This combination is about building a platform that is perfectly suited to support our customers growth,” said Mazzella. “By combining our R&D and product development efforts, we intend to bring new, high-value solutions to market that neither company could have achieved alone.” The integration of the two businesses is already underway, with a focus on maintaining operational continuity and exceptional customer service throughout the spring season. The company also emphasized that all Turf Care Supply employees are being welcomed into the organization, and that the combined workforce will play a crucial role in driving the business forward. “This is an exciting moment for all of us. By uniting two great teams, we’re creating a stronger company with a shared commitment to our customers’ and vendors success, ” Mazzella noted. About Interoceanic Corporation (IOC): Based in White Plains, NY, IOC is a diversified family-owned company specializing in the production, marketing, and distribution of fertilizer and industrial chemical products. Other notable affiliates of IOC are PCI Nitrogen, Columbia River Nitrogen and EM² Enterprises. With this transaction, the group of businesses consist of over 600 employees. IOC’s family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and supply chain expertise have driven its growth from a regional fertilizer distributor into an international platform that provides reliable, high-quality products. About Allied Nutrients: Based in Brunswick, OH, Allied Nutrients specializes in providing enhanced efficiency fertilizers that support turfgrass and ornamental plant health. Through world-class manufacturing and research and development, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, including SCU, PCU, PCSCU, reacted slow-release nitrogen, and urease inhibitors. These solutions are marketed under leading brands, such as XCU, TTRU, UFLEXX, UMAXX, Nutralene, and Nitroform. 
The hidden cost of filler: how to maximize your fertilizer ROI. Shows hand holding filler .
January 22, 2026
Want to maximize your ROI and turf health? Ditch the filler and replace your blends with Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs), Micro packs, Soil Amendments, or organic materials. These alternatives can reduce your seasonal application of bags, reduce overall material cost and deliver better results!
A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
Show More