The use of glyphosate will be partially banned in Bulgaria. It will no longer be allowed for use in public places such as parks, gardens, sports and entertainment facilities, school and playgrounds, as well as near health and educational buildings.
Herbicides containing glyphosate will be allowed only for professional use in Bulgaria. Only consumers certified by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency will be able to purchase and use this chemical. The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency states that all producers and traders are obliged to change their use.
Not to be used by non-professional users, all products containing glyphosate should be categorized in the category for professional use. Not approved for aerial spraying. It is not allowed as a desiccant or defoliant before harvesting crops. It is not approved for the treatment of water channels. Do not apply in public spaces, such as parks and gardens, sports and leisure facilities, school and playgrounds, as well as in close proximity to health and educational buildings. Not to be applied in protected areas defined in the Water Act or other zones determined by an order of the Minister of Environment and Water.
"The partial ban on glyphosate in Bulgaria is a significant step in protecting our health and the environment. This decision underlines the important role of civil society in advocating safer practices and promoting sustainable agriculture. By limiting the use of this harmful herbicide in public spaces and vulnerable areas, Bulgaria is taking a proactive position in protecting biodiversity, soil health and water quality.We welcome AGROLINK's significant contribution to this important regulatory change, which represents a significant step towards a healthier and more sustainable future for Bulgaria," said Ina Agafonova from the Via Pontica Foundation, a member of PAN Europe from Bulgaria.
The new regulation is published on the website of the Bulgarian government in the register of permitted plant protection products. The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency is yet to present how it will control the implementation of bans and restrictions. Until now, herbicides containing glyphosate can be purchased freely from agropharmacies and shops. Manufacturers label them without the necessary instructions for use and warnings about their dangerous consequences.
The Great Glyphosate Court Case
In December 2023 the European Commission gave the green light for 10 more years of glyphosate in the European Union. This is a disaster for health, biodiversity, soil and water. Many independent scientific studies show the dangers. To re-approve glyphosate is a violation of the EU Pesticide Law that says that health and the environment should go first. In case of substantial doubt, the precautionary principle has to be applied.
PAN Europe, together with ClientEarth (EU), Générations Futures (France), GLOBAL 2000 (Austria), PAN Germany, and PAN Netherlands, have launched a legal challenge against the European Commission’s recent decision to re-approve glyphosate. After conducting a detailed examination of the glyphosate re-approval process and identifying several critical shortcomings they submitted a Request for Internal review to the Commission, marking the first step in this legal battle.
Bulgaria shows Member States can individually take steps against glyphosate while we fight the European Commission’s decision in court.
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