As reported by NationofChange journalist Marlee Kokotovic in mid-February, Bayer and US officials had been pressuring Mexico to abandon their intended ban on glyphosate. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had given farmers until 2024 to stop the use of glyphosate.
López Obrador, however, did not give in to influence and has stuck by his promise to his country: to protect consumers and help small-scale farmers.
“Our rationale is based on the precautionary principle in the face of environmental risks as well as the right of the Mexican government to take action in favor of the public good, in important areas such as public health and the environment. We are a sovereign nation with a democratic government, which came to power with the support of the majority of citizens, one that places compliance with our constitution and respect for human rights above all private interests,” says Victor Suárez, Mexico’s Undersecretary of Agriculture for Food and Competitiveness.
Industry and U.S. government officials seemed shocked that their lobbying had failed to stop López Obrador from acting. The pressure campaign was intense, reports Inter Press Service. While many applaud the decree, Mexico’s farmer and environmental organizations say it is just the first step and implementation will be the key.
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