4
Oct
2023
Watch
The proposed extension of glyphosate in the EU (debate)
Mr President, everyone knows the aerial photographs from the Netherlands. Vast green fields and fields surrounded by small ditches. But in the spring, something crazy happens to these fields. Although the rest of nature will bloom again, some of these fields turn orange-yellow. We no longer see healthy nature here, but fields sprayed with agricultural poison, glyphosate. This controversial weed fighter is widely used to clear agricultural land from weeds. But while this substance counteracts weeds, it poses a huge risk to people and the environment. More and more studies indicate the link between neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and the use of pesticides and insecticides. People working with this substance are not sufficiently protected against these risks, which makes farmers, farmers in particular, particularly vulnerable and poses a risk to local residents. In France, the regulations have already been tightened. Parkinson's disease has even been classified as an occupational disease for farmers and farmers who have been overexposed to glyphosate. In 2018, a court in the United States found it proven that a gardener's cancer diagnosis was due to the multiple use of glyphosate. A massive compensation for producer Monsanto was the result. It has become painful that important opinions and studies on health risks of glyphosate have not been taken into account in the opinion by the European Food Safety Authority. The interests of the industry seem to be the most important in this opinion, because only studies of the industry itself have been taken into account in the opinion. So on those orange-green fields there is a assassin. That is not only bad for the farmer himself, but also for biodiversity. This makes it harder for bees to find their way back to their nests and weakens their immunity to parasites. Also, glyphosate kills fields of nectar-rich wild flowers that feed bees. In addition, we need to move towards more and more resilient and sustainable agriculture. That is better for the climate, the environment and the farmers themselves. The extension of glyphosate for ten years is in direct opposition to this. It is time for an accelerated procedure for the authorisation of biological pesticides. To me, it's clear: Use the principle of caution. I expect Europe to do the same. It is irresponsible to wait until we are 100% sure that glyphosate is harmful before we abolish it. Let's turn it around. First we have to make sure that it is 100% harmless to people and the environment before we allow it again.