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Glyphosate loses support in Costa Rica

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Glyphosate, the most used herbicide in the world, has lost support in Costa Rica, as it has been banned by 21 municipalities, along with the National Technical University, which specializes in agriculture and livestock.

Previously, it was banned by the State University at Distance and UCR at all of its headquarters, since a US court ruled that there was a link between the herbicide and a terminal cancer inflicting California gardeners.

Glyphosate, often marketed under the Roundup brand, is applied in urban public areas, such as parks, cemeteries, street rounds, sidewalks, pipes and all types of green areas.

Bayer, manufacturer of the products that containing glyphosate used by the gardeners, insists that there is no relationship between this component and cancer, and is appealing the ruling.

Roundup passed into the hands of Bayer after the acquisition of Monsanto Company last year.

In February, a group of citizens in Bagaces filed appeal requesting the banning of glyphosate.

Three ministries, including the Health Ministry, have reviewed whether to continue using this chemical.

The herbicide is also the most used chemical in Costa Rica, with 1,500 tons per year being applied, according to data from the Regional Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances of the National University.

The use of glyphosate is prohibited or restricted in France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Malta, Sri Lanka, and Portugal, as well as in several municipalities in Spain and Canada.