Glyphosate is the most used pesticide globally. It has long been a controversial topic within European agriculture. In November 2023, the European Commission extended the approval of glyphosate for another 10 years, while simultaneously, the EU's Farm to Fork strategy emphasizes the need for a 50% reduction in pesticide use by 2030. Therefore, researchers from across Europe have discussed various alternatives to glyphosate and their potential advantages and disadvantages. 

This took place at a workshop organized by the European Weed Research Society (EWRS) in November 2022. Here, European weed researchers gathered to discuss critical uses of glyphosate in current European cropping systems and to explore the availability of alternatives to glyphosate. Participants identified four critical uses of glyphosate in European agriculture: controlling perennial weeds, weed management in conservation agriculture (CA), weed management in fruit and berry crops and vineyards, and prevention and management of herbicide resistance.  

Alternatives to glyphosate 

Although glyphosate has been a cornerstone of European agriculture for decades, we now face a different reality: the need to reduce dependence on this herbicide. Alternatives to glyphosate exist, but they have their own challenges. Mechanical weed control, in the form of soil tillage, is an obvious alternative method, but it can be harmful to soil health and biodiversity. Other methods, such as precision harrowing and electric weed control, are more targeted and environmentally friendly, but these technologies are still under development. 

Here is an overview of some of the alternatives suggested by the researchers: 

1. Physical control: 

• Soil tillage, which loosens the surface soil and incorporates crop residues. 

• Disadvantages include the risk of soil erosion and negative effects on soil health and structure. 

2. Preventive methods: 

• Diversifying crops in a crop rotation can increase biodiversity and offer various benefits. 

• The downside can be lower profitability for certain crops and the need for more knowledge. 

3. Chemical control: 

• Selective herbicides can offer targeted weed control. 

• The disadvantage is that some selective herbicides have worse environmental and/or health effects than glyphosate. 

The scientific report describes several alternatives, each with its advantages and disadvantages, which may be more or less suitable depending on the context in which they are used, including soil type, climate, and crop choice. 

It will not be easy 

Overall, according to the researchers, there is a need for a stronger effort for integrated weed management. This combines several methods, such as mechanical control, biological control, and the use of cover crops. This will help to reduce weed populations and limit the need for glyphosate and other herbicides. 

According to the researchers, it is important to realize that reducing glyphosate use is not an easy task. Glyphosate has been an effective weed control method for decades, and its role in European agriculture cannot be ignored. With the EU's increased focus on sustainability and environmental protection, it is crucial to explore and implement alternative methods that can maintain productivity while minimizing the negative environmental and health impacts of pesticide use. 

In other words, European agriculture faces a challenging but necessary transition period. By collaborating and investing in research and innovation, it will be possible to move towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods that ensure food supply and at the same time better protect the environment.