Following the European Commission's decision to extend the European authorisation of glyphosate as an active substance by 10 years, Dutch minister of Agriculture Adema will quickly map out how to further reduce the use of glyphosate in the Netherlands. The minister writes this to the House of Representatives.

The minister consults with Wageningen University & Research that an analysis will be delivered before summer 2024 for which crops the use of glyphosate is necessary in the context of food production, for which there are no alternatives, and where the use of glyphosate can be reduced.

Relationship between glysophate and Parkinson's disease

Minister Adema is also initiating a number of actions to ensure that more clarity on the implications for glyphosate in relation to Parkinson's disease will soon be available. Discussions are being held with the RIVM on possibilities of starting a specific scientific study on the possible relationship between glyphosate and the development of Parkinson's disease. This study should then produce the data in 3 to 5 years' time, with which a causal link between substance and disease can be demonstrated, or ruled out.

The RIVM is asked to also involve the European Food Safety Authority EFSA and the Ctgb in the study design. Minster Adema said that if at any time research shows that glyphosate is not safe and there are direct risks, then member states and the European Commission will take immediate action and protective measures. This is laid down in a European regulation.In the Netherlands, glyphosate-based products will then be withdrawn immediately by the Ctgb.

Multi-year research

The RIVM is already conducting a multi-year study on health effects of plant protection products in the broad sense on local residents and agricultural entrepreneurs and on neurological disorders in particular. The project involves a broad consortium study with various national and international parties. This study will run from 2023 to 2030.

RIVM will keep the European Commission informed of the findings at all times. The Netherlands is also supporting EFSA in developing new test protocols to map and assess specific neurodegenerative effects of plant protection products.


Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality