Glyphosate Ban Could Green European Farming, Says Friends of the Earth

19 May 2016 --- An outright ban on glyphosate would transform European agriculture making it greener and publicly acceptable, says Friends of the Earth Europe ahead of the possible final vote on its re-authorisation.

European farming is currently heavily dependent on glyphosate – a broad-spectrum "kill-all" weedkiller. Banning it would help farmers shift away from using toxic chemicals, while producing safer food and reducing the damage to the environment – both of which command a great deal of public support.

Adrian Bebb, Senior Food and Agriculture Campaigner at Friends of the Earth Europe said: "Fields, streets and parks across Europe are being drenched with this risky weedkiller, and it is time for it to be banned. Using it to spray our countryside and public spaces while clear safety questions hang over it is reckless and unnecessary.

"This chemical not only risks public health but also knocks out the food webs needed for insects and birds, creating enormous damage to our nature. Banning glyphosate would be an enormous opportunity to make European farming safer and greener, which is what the public wants."