Argentine state bans use of glyphosate

The Argentine state of Misiones banned the use of glyphosate through a law passed by the local Chamber of Deputies.

According to the new legislation, the total elimination of the use of this product must occur by the year 2025.

Article 7 of the law prohibits the ″use of glyphosate, its components, and related products″,

In the transition period of the next two years, bioinputs should be promoted as ″methods that are friendlier to the environment″.

The new law also provides a regulatory framework for research, development, production, processing, registration, commercialization, and use of natural biological products.

Misiones has a state-owned company producing bioinputs, but its only current product is a biofertilizer.

A few months ago, the company Agrosustentavel, which produces these biological products, also set up shop in this province.

REACTIONS

The confederation that brings together the largest associations of agricultural producers in Argentina, called ″Mesa de Enlace″ demonstrated against the ban on glyphosate.

Rural entities warned that they were not consulted: ″It is an attack on production. We were not allowed to participate in the Commission, despite our constant insistence, which demonstrates total authoritarianism and lack of dialogue.″

Producers warned that the main agro-industrial chains would be harmed, generating cost increases, production declines, certification difficulties in international standards, and restrictions on international trade markets.

According to international standards, Misiones has an area of 257,300 hectares certified in Sustainable Forest Management, representing more than 60% of the province's total forest area.

″The implementation of these international norms guarantees good practices in the use and handling of all phytosanitary products,″ the Enlace Bureau said.

According to them, glyphosate allows the conservation of the soil, taking into account its slopes, as it allows cultivation on it, keeping it covered without the appearance of weeds.

For its part, Casafe (Câmara de Sanidade Agropecuária e Fertilizantes) issued a statement stating that the ban on the use of glyphosate had ″no scientific backing″.

″Glyphosate is one of the most studied molecules in the world, and is approved by Senasa (National Food Safety and Quality Service) and by more than 100 countries – including the United States and countries of the European Union,″ they pointed out.

Casafe defended the diversity and coexistence of production systems: ″That a new product exists and is approved means more technological alternatives for those who produce.″

″However, all products must have the necessary approval and studies to guarantee their efficacy and safety for people and the environment,″ they argued.

The Chamber also warned that the ″provincial government promotes products that would act as herbicides without being duly registered for that use in Senasa.″

″We don't believe it is necessary to ban one product as a way to promote another. All laws that arbitrarily prohibit the use of nationally approved products, without scientific basis, are a direct attack on the Argentine production system,″ they justified.

As a result, they warn, the decision to ban tends to "encourage the illegal use of this product."

″We reiterate the concern shared by the main leaders of agriculture for these arbitrary initiatives that go against a sustainable agriculture based on science,″ they said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)