This petition comes at a crucial moment, as the European Union will make a decision this fall regarding a possible extension of the approval of this substance.
Bayer launched the petition, called "Future of Glyphosate," with the main goal of convincing the German government of the value of glyphosate in sustainable agriculture. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides including Bayer’s Roundup, has long been under debate due to concerns about possible health and environmental effects.
The petition primarily targets the German coalition government, which so far has been hesitant to support the use of glyphosate. The liberal FDP party is in favor for economic reasons. Notably, the German Minister of Agriculture, Cem Ă–zdemir of The Greens, is a pronounced opponent of glyphosate. Neighboring Austria, with its large organic farming sector, also supports a ban.
An impending ban has caused division among EU member states, with some countries wanting to prohibit its use. Recently, the European Commission suggested that Brussels leans toward approval of glyphosate. Several countries, including France and Italy, advocate for a complete ban. These countries call for a precautionary approach prioritizing safety.
On the other hand, Spain and several other countries have aligned more closely with the stance taken by Bayer and its supporters. They argue that glyphosate, when used responsibly according to approved guidelines, can contribute to efficient and effective weed control.
These countries emphasize the importance of decision-making based on scientific research and the role of glyphosate in maintaining crop yields amid the growing global food demand.
German interest groups such as "Bond Beter Leefmilieu" have publicly criticized the petition, pointing to the well-documented risks of glyphosate. They question the financial interests behind Bayer’s campaign and stress that the protection of public health and the environment must come first.