News Glyphosate
Germany wants to set end date for glyphosate
There must be strict requirements for the authorization of various plant protection products. There must also be an end date for the use of glyphosate-based crop protection products. That is what Svenja Schulze, Minister of the Environment, said on Tuesday 6 November.
The CDU and SPD agreed in February to cut glyphosate use. The aim has also been set to completely eliminate its use in the long run. However, no end date has been set.
Stricter requirements
Schulze (SPD) wants to phase out the use of glyphosate more quickly and also wants to set an end date. She also indicates that she wants stricter requirements in the approval process for all plant protection products. She fears that otherwise even more harmful substances will be used.
Helmut Schramm, head of Bayer Crop Science, commented on Reuters indicates that a ban will lead to more plows. "That puts German farmers at a disadvantage compared to farmers elsewhere in the world. This discussion is political and not based on scientific facts."
Division in Germany
Germany is divided on the subject of glyphosate. Christian Schmidt, the former agriculture minister, has supported the European Commission's proposal before his departure. That was striking, because Germany would actually abstain from voting. Due to the move of the former minister, glyphosate is allowed until late 2023. This also means that a ban cannot be instituted before this date.
Glyphosate use in Germany is also declining without Schulze's plans. The use is already with decreased by more than 12% and compared to 4 years ago, the reduction is even almost 40%. Even without the ban, farmers and other users are increasingly abandoning the drug.
Anne-Jan Doorn
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