Environmental organisations are calling for the government to implement a national ban on the weedkiller glyphosate, which was reauthorised by the EU last week despite Malta’s opposition.
The European Commission controversially approved a temporary 18-month extension of the licence for glyphosate, which is considered a “probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organisation cancer agency, despite a lack of agreement from member states.
Malta was the only country to vote against the extension in early June, but abstentions from France and Germany, among several others, meant the required limited majority could not be reached.
The Commission nevertheless gave its approval for the extension a day before the licence would have expired on June 30, allowing time for new studies into claims the substance could cause cancer.
“It is now up to the government to stick to its opposition and implement a ban on glyphosate in Malta,” said John Portelli from the Malta Organic Food Movement.
“Reducing potential health risks is in the interest of both the government and the public: every cent we don’t spend on health is a cent gained somewhere else. A national ban is a win-win.”
Environment Minister José Herrera said last month that Malta’s opposition to glyphosate was based on the precautionary principle, which states that potentially hazardous products should not be used unless they can be proven safe.
The national pesticide regulator, however, has said previously it would not consider a unilateral ban if the EU decided to re-authorise the use of the substance.
Questions sent to the Environment Ministry this week, asking whether a national ban would be considered, had not been answered by the time of going to print.
At least 25 local councils have already banned the use of glyphosate in their localities, while Maltese MEPs from both parties also spoke out in favour of a ban at the European level.
In comments to this newspaper yesterday, Friends of the Earth Malta, who had previously welcomed the government’s opposition, also called for Malta to follow up on its position and ban the substance nationally.
“Farmers urgently need independent advice and support on other ways of tackling persistent weeds that do not harm our water, soils and wild species. Government should also prioritise a food and farming strategy that builds a diverse, resilient system – supporting flourishing wildlife, sustainable healthy diets and thriving farmers’ livelihoods.”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers glyphosate a “probable carcinogen”, although the classification does not consider the likelihood of cancer being caused under normal conditions. The European Food Safety Agency has said it is unlikely to cause cancer, but the scientific basis of the agency’s report has been heavily contested.