Locals in Dílar (Granada) are up in arms over the use of glyphosate on the streets, footpaths and near water channels.

Glyphosate is used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops and is marketed under the name of Roundup, a US patented brand.

This weedkiller is a very controversial product and its use within the EU is restricted; it was to be banned completely but was given a 5-year lease of life in November 2017.

In the USA in 1996, Roundup producer, Monsanto, was ordered pull ads that said Roundup was “safer than table salt” and “practically nontoxic” to mammals, birds and fish. Anybody who has lost a pet to this weedkiller knows that that is a complete lie. Furthermore, the protective clothing and the necessary safety precautions needed when using it makes a mockery of this advertising claim.

But, back to Dílar where protestors handed in 328 signatures to the Town Hall, who admit that their workers use it on public streets to keep the weeds down – they claim that it is impossible to eradicate the weeds otherwise.

But Dílar does not stand alone because it is joined by Huétor Vega, Otura, Gójar, as well as the city of Granada.

The Mayor of Dílar, José Ramón Jiménez, says that whilst they use it on the streets, they don’t use it in public parks.

The protestors say that the alternative are strimmers and in early spring, using heat (blow torches).

Editorial comment: the extensive use of Roundup and Attila, not only has an immediate effect on plants, insects, birds and animals, but it also has a long-term effect because it is slowly making its way into the water table and thus domestic water supplies.

(News: Dilar, Sierra Nevada, Granada, Andalucia)