President of California University system bans use of glyphosate

 

The war on glyphosate in California has taken a new turn. The president of the University of California system, Janet Napolitano, has banned the use of the herbicide on all of the UC campuses, according to a memo obtained by Agri-Pulse. 

 

The ban includes UC-Davis, one of the nation's most prestigious agricultural research institutions. But there also is a major loophole in the ban: Agricultural operations and ag research projects will be exempted. 

 

Napolitano cited "concerns about possible human health and ecological hazards, as well as potential legal and reputational risks." 

 

It started with volleyball: The environmental advocacy group Herbicide-Free UC began lobbying the UC president and regents on the issue after volleyball practice one day three years ago. 

 

The UC-Berkeley beach volleyball coach cautioned students not to chase after balls because glyphosate had just been sprayed. Two of the athletes took action, and ever since the courts have been hand weeded.