We helped to deny Big Ag their victory twice already, when the European Commission failed to win enough support from governments in March and in May to give glyphosate a green light.
The Commission needs the approval of 16 European governments, representing at least 65% of the EU's population. Even states with a massive agrochemical industry like Germany can be moved by people power, but other states will put agrochemical industry interests above public safety concerns. It's down to the wire - so we need to raise a ruckus like never before:
Tell EU governments not to approve glyphosate weedkiller, when they meet in Brussels next Monday to consider the European Commission's proposal.
Multinationals like Monsanto, Bayer, Syngenta, Dow and DuPont have made fortunes selling glyphosate weedkiller and glyphosate-tolerant genetically engineered crops (GMOs) around the world. But glyphosate's European license is set to expire at the end of June.
A spokesperson from the Commission said recently: "If no decision is taken before 30 June, glyphosate will be no longer authorised in the EU and member states will have to withdraw authorisations for all glyphosate based products.” We are so close!
Thanks to the massive efforts of environmentalists, activists, independent scientists and critical journalists, it looks like the tides might finally be turning against Monsanto and glyphosate. Two times in a row, European governments have refused to back the Commission's reckless proposal to relicense glyphosate. It's time for Brussels and the big chemicals corporations to understand that people want to detox our food system. Let's make glyphosate history.
Sign and share the petition to the 28 EU member states, asking them not to approve glyphosate weedkiller next Monday.
More information
Monsanto weedkiller faces recall from Europe's shops after EU fail to agree deal
The Guardian. 20 May 2016.
The Guardian. 20 May 2016.
EU glyphosate tantrum could leave people exposed to cancer risk
EurActiv.com. 25 May 2016.
EurActiv.com. 25 May 2016.