The European Parliament voted last month to stop the EU approve "probably carcinogenic" glyphosate for most uses. Glyphosate weedkillers like Roundup should be completely banned, but the European Commission still seems determined to put Monsanto's interests before public health concerns.

In March, the Netherlands joined France, Sweden, and Italy to oppose a new 15-year licence for glyphosate. Undeterred, the European Commission has tweaked the glyphosate license proposal a little to win over the Netherlands. We need to come together now to make sure the Netherlands government stands up to the agrochemical lobby and the Commission.

Concerns about the harm of the world's most popular weedkiller are reaching a breaking point. Which means that the vote will be a close one, and "swing vote" countries like the Netherlands have the power to effectively ban glyphosate in the EU.

Tell the Netherlands government to use its decisive vote to keep glyphosate out of Europe.

Last month, MEPs backed a ban of glyphosate not only for hobby gardeners and in green spaces like parks and playgrounds, but also in agriculture, where crop diversification and mechanical means are sufficient for the necessary weed control. They also called for strict limits on pre-harvest applications - -- proof that lawmakers are coming to understand the dangers of Monsanto’s favorite pesticide. Yet, the Commission is ploughing ahead regardless – while experts say we need an outright ban in order to protect against contamination of our food, water, and soil.

Greenpeace EU’s food policy director, Franziska Achterberg compared renewing the glyphosate licence without proof of its safety to “skydiving without checking your equipment first.” And two months ago, the Netherlands agreed and played a crucial role in delaying the vote pending further research.

In March, together we gathered over 260,000 signatures asking the European Parliament to ban the pesticide. We know we struck a nerve -- voices from Big Agro expressed how “upset” they were that politicians heard our concerns. Now, we need to pressure the Netherlands and make sure they vote in the interest of the people they represent, not Monsanto.



Call on the Netherlands to stick to its commitment to protect us from the dangers of glyphosate and vote against the Commission’s proposal.