Ban on Glyphosate Herbicide in Europe

The growing concern for natural health drives countries like the Netherlands to ban the herbicide glyphosate. Discover how this measure influences chiropractic and holistic health.

“No” to Monsanto

By Taz Loomans 29/09/2014

Northern Europe does not remain silent

The Netherlands has been the latest country — after Russia and Mexico — to say no to Monsanto. Starting at the end of 2015, the sale of glyphosate-based herbicides will be banned by private entities due to a recent decision by the Dutch Parliament. This means that people who spray Roundup on their lawns and gardens will have to find another way to control pests. The main ingredient of Roundup, glyphosate, has been linked to cancer, infertility, birth defects, nerve damage, and kidney diseases. 

Glyphosate bad for health

Many citizens of the Netherlands expressed their concern about the use of glyphosate and submitted their opinions  in a notification center that was launched and supervised by Bollenboos and the Party for the Animals. Before this initiative was launched, people had no representative to address their concerns, and the true number of people opposing glyphosate prompted Esther Ouwehand and Gerard Schouw, two members of the Dutch Parliament, to present a motion for the ban of glyphosate in the country. Several political parties supported the motion, which was eventually approved. 

Related: Toxic Herbicide Monsanto Roundup has been found in 75 percent of rain and in Air Samples

With a bit of luck, this recent action by the Netherlands will encourage other countries to follow suit. Millions of people across the United States, Canada, and many other countries have mobilized against Monsanto products in hopes of their ban, but little action is being taken by government representatives to enforce it.

Chiropractic Center Marc Bony