On May the 21st, 2016, activists around the world will, once again, unite to March Against Monsanto, and this includes Malta, with organisers planning a March in Valletta, starting at 10.00am.

They said that March Against Monsanto is a global call to action aimed at informing the public, calling into question long-term health risks of Genetically Modified Foods (GMO) and the chemicals used such as Glyphosate, Malta should vote NO for Glyphosate.

"The European Parliament voted last month to stop the EU approve "probably carcinogenic" glyphosate for most uses. Glyphosate weedkillers like Roundup should be completely banned, but the European Commission still seems determined to put Monsanto's interests before public health concerns."

In March, the Netherlands joined France, Sweden, and Italy to oppose a new 15-year licence for glyphosate. The organisers said that "undeterred, the European Commission has tweaked the glyphosate license proposal a little to win over the Netherlands. We need to come together now to make sure the government stands up to the agrochemicals lobby and the Commission."

"Concerns about the harm of the world's most popular weedkiller are reaching a breaking point. Which means that the vote will be a close one, and swing vote."

The organisers of next Saturday's march are urging the public to "tell the Maltese Government to use its decisive vote to keep glyphosate out of Europe."

"Last month, MEPs backed a ban of glyphosate not only for hobby gardeners and in green spaces like parks and playgrounds, but also in agriculture, where crop diversification and mechanical means are sufficient for the necessary weed control. They also called for strict limits on pre-harvest applications – — proof that lawmakers are coming to understand the dangers of Monsanto's favourite pesticide."

"Yet, the Commission is ploughing ahead regardless – while experts say we need an outright ban in order to protect against contamination of our food, water, and soil," the organisers said.

Partners facilitating the organising of March Against Monsanto include among others:

Malta Organic Agriculture Movement,

Friends of the Earth – Malta,

BirdLife – Malta

Green Drinks Malta,

Permaculture Foundation,

Zminijietna

Slow Food-Malta.

Ramblers Malta

Gaia Foundation

Nature Trust Malta

Koperattiva Kummerc Gust

Greenhouse-Malta

Action for Breast Cancer Foundation

Inizjamed

SKOP

Kopin

Assocjazzjoni Maltija tal-Apikultura

Multiple Sclerosis Society Malta

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