The European Union-no need to argue around glyphosate-near-term-decided to re-approve the fungicide copper sulfate, a pesticide that is more toxic to criminals in organic farmers than the glyphosate registration form.
Copper sulfuric acid, a widely used pesticide in organic agriculture, has been reapproved by the European Commission and its member states, but it has also been used in some traditional applications, despite the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency ( ECHA) is considered a toxic risk to farmers, birds, mammals and soil organisms, as well as the overall environmental impact of the chemical. The decision expands EU-wide permission to use copper sulfate against bacteria and fungi.
Copper sulfate is used extensively in organic agriculture, especially with potatoes, grapes, tomatoes and apples. In contrast, glyphosate-one of the most popular herbicides in the world-focuses on weed control and is not used in organic agriculture. Instead, it attracted the attention of GM activists and EU member states because it worked closely with genetically modified crops grown to resist genetic modification.
But which is safer?
According to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), “copper sulfate is very toxic to aquatic organisms, very toxic to aquatic organisms, has long-lasting effects, can cause cancer, can impair fertility or unborn children, can be harmful if swallowed, and cause Serious consequences. Eye damage can cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. ”
In addition, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has pointed out the risks to farmers, birds, mammals and soil organisms. Both the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency have stated that more data on the potential health impact on consumers is needed.
According to a 2015 study by the European Parliament, pesticide residues in organic foods are not as high as traditionally grown foods, and copper sulfate is the most common pesticide residue in organic foods. It is bioaccumulative, which means it can accumulate to toxic levels in soil and even animal tissues. In fact, many organic wine growers in the United States and Europe (including France) have opted out of their organic names to use alternatives to copper sulfate fungicides. Their fear? Accumulation of chemicals in the soil.
When the European Commission expanded its use of copper sulfate in 2014, it did so on the condition that it reduce its use and conduct other environmental studies. Concerned about its impact on health and the environment, the EU listed it as a “substitute candidate” in 2015. It was this expansion that expired in January and was re-expanded by the EC.
However, to date, no real organic alternative has been created. According to the European Parliament report: “Some promising alternatives include potassium bicarbonate (safe for humans and the environment) and milk by-products. At the same time, restrictions restrict the use of copper salts.”
At the same time, glyphosate does not show bioaccumulation and is almost non-toxic, with the exception of health problems that may arise for workers exposed to high doses of pesticides. Only one agency (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has linked glyphosate to a health problem (cancer in this case) through a non-risk-based approach and by collecting unrealistic results and thorough corruption allegations . .