Glyphosate must not endanger public health

The European Commission wants to continue allowing the use of glyphosate, a phosphorus compound that is used as a herbicide, in the coming ten years. The European Parliament has registered its objection to this, with the support of the N-VA. “Protection of public health and the environment is the top priority,” says MEP Mark Demesmaeker. “After all, the uncertainty about possible harmful effects of glyphosate has not gone away.”

Curbing use

The European Parliament wants to curb the use of glyphosate by individuals and professional businesses alike. However, the Parliament is asking for a transitional period of five years, i.e. until 2022, for the agricultural sector. “Limiting the professional use of glyphosate to only those situations for which no alternatives are available today is the obvious course of action,” says Mark Demesmaeker. “Member States are still making too little use of integrated pest control.”

Furthermore, the MEP is advocating additional research in which the mixtures in which the substance is found are also analysed. After all, only objective science can clear up the uncertainty.