“Glyphosate Renewal Sparks Conflict: Green Advocacy versus Agricultural Needs”
In a heated battle between environmental concerns and agricultural necessities, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is being urged by ‘Green’ MEPs to halt the renewal of glyphosate, a contentious herbicide.
The Commission’s decision to extend the approval of glyphosate for a decade in the EU was confirmed today, despite the failure of EU member states to reach a conclusive majority either for or against the herbicide during the voting session held on Thursday, November 16.
This decision follows a prior vote in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCOPAFF) where, once again, member states were unable to secure the necessary majority to either reapprove or reject glyphosate.
As per EU regulations, and in the absence of a decisive majority, the Commission is compelled to make a verdict before December 15, the expiration date of the current approval period.
The Commission’s action plans to renew glyphosate approval for ten years, but with newly imposed conditions and limitations.
Despite these measures, Green MEPs are rallying for President von der Leyen’s personal intervention to prevent the renewal process.
One of the vocal proponents of glyphosate, Irish Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan, emphasized her party’s relentless campaign to ban the herbicide.
She cited reports highlighting glyphosate’s adverse effects on human health and biodiversity, expressing concerns about its widespread use across Ireland, impacting both health and the environment.
O’Sullivan critiqued the basis of the commission’s decision, highlighting a report acknowledging no critical concerns but indicating a high long-term risk to mammals in a majority of cases. Moreover, she accused the Commission of neglecting biodiversity amidst declining pollinator populations.
She asserted,
“These are critical areas of concern, if you ask me. The reservations of many member state governments in approving this weedkiller are clear… Somewhere down the line, glyphosate will be banned once and for all.”
While Green representatives voice disappointment, agricultural associations like the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) laud the Commission’s move. IFA’s national grain chairperson, Kieran McEvoy, termed it a positive development for Irish and EU agriculture. He stressed glyphosate’s significance for tillage farmers, especially in emissions reduction efforts.
The Copa Cogeca, representing EU farming bodies and agri-cooperatives, echoed this sentiment, stating that no viable substitute for glyphosate currently exists. They cautioned that its absence would complicate agricultural practices, particularly soil conservation, leaving farmers with limited or less effective alternatives.
The clash between environmental concerns and agricultural needs escalates, showcasing the polarized opinions on glyphosate’s impact on health, nature, and farming practices within the EU.
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