Luxembourg becomes first EU country without glyphosate

In Luxembourg, the use of glyphosate will be banned from January 1, 2021. This makes Luxembourg the first country in the European Union (EU) to actually ban the weed killer after Austria withdrew the planned ban.

The Luxembourg government already announced in 2018 that it would impose a ban on the use of glyphosate. The country is thus setting its own course in relation to other European countries. Glyphosate still has an authorization in the EU until at least 1 January 2023. Before that time, the active substance must be re-evaluated.

Luxembourg does not wait for that assessment and opts for a total ban as of 1 January 2021. A number of phasing-out measures are already in place in the run-up to this date. For example, as of 1 February 2020, glyphosate may no longer be sold on the Luxembourg market. Products with the active ingredient that have already been purchased may be sold until June 30, which can then be used until the end of this year.

Compensation for farmers
Farmers in Luxembourg use about 13,6 tons of glyphosate every year. A subsidy scheme has been set up to help them transition to alternative methods of tackling weeds. About half of the more than 1.000 agricultural entrepreneurs in Luxembourg who use glyphosate have submitted an application. They can count on a compensation of €30 per hectare.

The glyphosate ban should contribute to Luxembourg's ambition to increase the share of organic farming (20% in 2025) and reduce the use of plant protection products (-50% in 2030).

Germany in 2023
Other countries in the EU are also struggling with the glyphosate dossier. Its use is increasingly restricted, also in the Netherlands. Austria was the first to announce a total ban as of January 1, 2020, but had to backtrack on that. Germany wants a ban by the end of 2023 and will phase out glyphosate in the coming years.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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