In a world where the use of chemicals in agriculture is increasingly criticized, the European Commission faces a crucial decision: to renew the authorization of glyphosate in the EU for a period of ten years. This proposal, which is already causing strong reactions, is based on the report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which considers that the level of risk associated with glyphosate does not justify its ban.
Glyphosate, an active substance present in many herbicides, including Monsanto’s famous Roundup, has been at the heart of controversy for years. Classified in 2015 as a “probable carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization, it divides the scientific and political community.
The European Commission’s proposal authorizes the use of glyphosate until December 2033, twice as long as the previous authorization. However, strict conditions must be respected, in particular the establishment of “buffer strips” of 5 to 10 meters around the spraying areas. In addition, limit levels will have to be set for certain “impurities” present in glyphosate. Member States will also be responsible for issuing authorizations at national level and setting the conditions of use taking into account local specificities.
However, although EFSA did not identify a “critical area of concern” in its report, it highlighted the high long-term risk to mammals and admitted that there was a lack of data to carry out a definitive analysis. Therefore, the European Commission asks States to pay particular attention to the effects on the environment, the co-formulants of authorized herbicides, the exposure of consumers to residues as well as the impact on biodiversity and resources in water.
This proposal to renew the authorization of glyphosate for ten years raises numerous questions and criticisms. Environmental and health advocates believe the risks associated with glyphosate are underestimated and are calling for a total ban on this controversial product. On the other hand, farmers emphasize the importance of glyphosate in the fight against weeds and highlight the economic benefits it brings to their activity.
The final decision will be made by EU member states, who will meet on October 13 to vote on this proposal. In the meantime, the debate over the use of glyphosate and its consequences on health and the environment continues to rage, highlighting the challenges contemporary societies face when it comes to striking a balance between intensive agriculture and the preservation of our planet.