If the European Commission has its way, the controversial herbicide glyphosate will have to be approved in the Union for another ten years. Brussels recommended further approval on Wednesday.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was not critical of reapproval in its latest assessment. However, environmental organizations warn of dangerous effects. The Commission imposes certain conditions on use in the EU, such as risk mitigation measures. The goal is to prevent glyphosate from blowing away heavily during use. Member States will likely continue to ban products containing glyphosate at national level. In Austria there is already a partial ban in sensitive areas and non-professional areas.
The most widely used chemical weapon in the world against weeds
Glyphosate kills all plants that come into contact with it. After treatment with the pesticide, the fields are weed-free. It is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world and was developed by the American company Monsanto, which was acquired by the German pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals group Bayer. With the purchase, Bayer also faced a wave of lawsuits over the alleged carcinogenic effects of glyphosate. Authorities around the world, including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency, have classified the herbicide as not carcinogenic.
Greenpeace: “Danger to health and nature”
Member States still have to vote on the European Commission’s proposal. “The probably carcinogenic poison glyphosate has long disappeared from our fields and flats. Allowing glyphosate in Europe for another ten years would simply be negligence and a danger to our health and nature,” said Greenpeace agricultural expert Sebastian Theissing-Matei. Theissing-Matei demands that Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig must vote absolutely against extending the approval of glyphosate.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
