Triodos Bank calls for a ban on glyphosate. Glyphosate, also known as ‘Roundup’, is the active ingredient in weedkillers that are applied to crop lands. Over the years, scientific evidence of a pervasive negative effect of this pesticide on humans has increased. Glyphosate is linked to cancer, Parkinson disease, and other health problems.

Moreover, there is scientific consensus that pesticides such as glyphosate play a significant role in severe biodiversity loss. The control of weed by pesticides leads to the decimation of flowers and blossoms and thus to a shortage of food for insects that feed on flowers and wild herbs. There is also evidence that glyphosate poses a significant threat to aquatic life.

In short, glyphosate spreads through groundwater, ends up in our food, drinks and bodies and has the potential to cause disease.

Unfortunately, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have not sufficiently taken these studies into account in their decision to advise on a ten-year extension of the approval of glyphosate.

We can do very well without glyphosate. Triodos Bank only finances organic farming, or farms that work according to organic principles. These do not use pesticides and deliver proof that farming without is possible. It is the damage to biodiversity, to which glyphosate contributes, that threatens organic farming, thwarting the agricultural transition that is so necessary for a sustainable and healthy food system. We believe that a ban on glyphosate offers an opportunity to accelerate this transition that benefits both humans and animals.

We call on you to make your voice heard and to sign here.