MEPs have given the go-ahead for the re-authorisation of the pesticide glyphosate, but have asked the European Commission to reduce the period to seven years, from the usual 15. This was welcomed as a step in the right direction by Garden Organic, which is campaigning for a total ban. The charity had sent a letter counter-signed by over 3,000 members and supporters to the EU's Health and Food Safety Commissioner, pushing for a 'No' vote.
Glyphosate has been designated a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization, but was deemed safe by the European Food Safety Authority. It is used in more than 750 domestic and agricultural pesticides around the world, notably Monsanto’s Roundup.
The non-binding resolution was passed 374 votes to 225, with 102 abstentions. National experts sitting in the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animal Food and Feed will now vote in May to adopt or reject the Commission proposal, by qualified majority. If there is no majority, it will then be up to the European Commission to decide.
Although recommending a seven year re-authorisation may not seem like good news for the campaign, the resolution includes a number of significant restrictions on the use of glyphosate. For example, glyphosate should not be approved for use in or close to public parks, public playgrounds and public gardens, the Commission should not approve any non-professional uses of glyphosate, and the Commission should reassess its approval of glyphosate in the light of its pending classification by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), under separate legislation.
Meanwhile Germany has already indicated that it would like to re-authorise the chemical's use.
Read more about Sustain's campaigns on chemical-free farming here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
