Plant protection products with glyphosate (archive picture): Partially prohibited
Photo: Patrick Pleul / dpa
The weed killer glyphosate has been controversial for years, now it is to be banned for private use for good.
The most important questions and answers at a glance.
When does the glyphosate ban apply?
The exact date has not yet been determined.
But as a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture announced on dpa request, the glyphosate ban for home and garden use is expected to come into force at the end of July, but no later than August.
The »Tagesspiegel« had previously reported on the imminent entry into force of the so-called Plant Protection Application Ordinance, which regulates the bans.
The Federal Council decided on the ban shortly before the summer break.
It is not the purchase but the use of the product that is prohibited - anyone who still has leftovers in the garden shed may no longer use it.
Who is affected by the ban?
The new regulation provides for glyphosate to be restricted in several areas.
In addition to the private context, use on playgrounds, sports fields and parks should also be prohibited.
Glyphosate should also be banned in water protection areas and before harvest.
The use of the product will only be permitted in exceptional cases on arable land and grassland.
After weeks of coalition disputes and conflicts with farmers, the ordinance passed the Federal Council at the end of June.
The federal cabinet finally approved it last week.
According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, it will come into force one day after its announcement.
Why is glyphosate considered dangerous?
The weed killer has been suspected of damaging the genetic make-up for years.
The International Agency for Cancer Research, which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), stated in 2015 that glyphosate was "probably carcinogenic in humans".
The developer and manufacturer Monsanto, on the other hand, assures the harmlessness of the agent.
Monsanto was taken over by the chemical and pharmaceutical company Bayer in 2018.
After lawsuits in the United States, Bayer made a billions in settlement - and most recently suffered severe defeats in court.
Why is there no complete ban?
A national total ban on the use of glyphosate is not possible under European law, as the active ingredient in pesticides is still approved throughout the EU until the end of 2022.
As the ministry further announced, plant protection products containing glyphosate are permitted throughout the EU until December 31, 2023 with a transition period.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner (CDU) does not currently assume that there will be a majority in favor of an extension of glyphosate approval at EU level by then.
mic / dpa-afx / AFP
