European Citizens Show Strong Support for a Glyphosate Ban

In a recent survey conducted by IPSOS across six European countries, citizens were asked about their opinions on pesticide use, particularly focusing on glyphosate. The results come at a crucial time as the renewal of glyphosate, one of Europe's most widely used herbicides, sparks intense debate within the EU.

The survey, encompassing Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, Romania, and Spain, found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents across these EU member states believe that glyphosate should be banned in the EU. Only 14% of citizens feel that glyphosate use should continue to be allowed, while 24% expressed no opinion.

Breaking it down by country, the data revealed consistent support for a glyphosate ban, with five to seven out of ten respondents in each of the surveyed countries favoring a ban.

The European authorization for glyphosate is set to expire in December 2023, with manufacturers seeking its renewal. However, on July 6, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released its findings on glyphosate's impact on human health, animals, and the environment. Despite some data gaps identified by EFSA, they did not declare any "critical areas of concern" regarding human, animal, or environmental health related to glyphosate use in agriculture. These findings have led to criticism from civil society organizations, alleging that the decision shifts responsibility to the Commission and member states.

The Commission will use EFSA's opinion to propose a renewal, and discussions among EU member state representatives within the SCoPAFF committee will take place. The first discussion is scheduled for September 15, with a vote expected in October. If a qualified majority of member states supports the proposal, renewal authorization will be granted; otherwise, the Commission can refer the issue to an appeals committee.

This survey reflects the ongoing debate around glyphosate, which, in 2017, saw over a million European citizens demand its ban through a European citizens' initiative. Instead of a ban, glyphosate continued to be widely used for another five years, raising concerns about its impact on health, water, soil, and biodiversity. Now, as its authorization nears its end, the question of whether to put an end to this glyphosate chapter remains pivotal.

For more information on alternatives, the procedure, the industry's role, and links to 80 recent independent scientific studies demonstrating glyphosate's harm and its contained products, visit Stop Glyphosate.