Almost half of EU agricultural land contains glyphosate

Glyphosate and AMPA, a breakdown product of glyphosate, have been found in nearly half of European agricultural land (45%). This is the conclusion of a study by Wageningen University. 

For the study, 300 soil samples from 10 different countries were examined. AMPA concentrations were higher than glyphosate concentrations. "There is a very high chance of further spreading, because the particles spread via the wind," says Violette Geissen, professor at Wageningen University.

High concentrations
In a previous study (2012), more than 75.000 samples of surface water in Europe were taken. That investigation found that glyphosate was found in one-third of the samples. 

To test the AMPA concentration, 57.000 samples were also taken. AMPA was also found in almost half of those samples. Also in 2013 research was done on glyphosate. In that study, urine samples were taken from 180 citizens. 44% of those samples contained glyphosate.

Standards are necessary
Geissen believes that standards should be established quickly for glyphosate and AMPA in the soil. "There are certainly negative effects on soil biodiversity, aquatic life and humans after exposure to these substances. Especially given the large extent to which residues of glyphosate and AMPA have been found in the soil. That is why I am also of the opinion that the authorization of glyphosate should not be renewed."

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