The Glyphosate Wars Continue...

There are three things which concern me over and above anything else. They are:

1. Global warming
2. Antibiotic resistance
3. The widespread use of untested chemicals.

Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) is involved in all THREE of my big concerns.In the past fortnight the glyphosate wars have continued. Brazil has banned the use of glyphosate, and Monsanto has been ordered to pay $289m as a jury ruled that Roundup caused a groundskeeper’s cancer. Meanwhile, back here in Australia, it's business as usual, with Roundup being defended as being perfectly safe for humans and even being beneficial for the environment.What exactly IS glyphosate, and why is it concerning?Glyphosate is a biocide (and was originally registered as a fungicide), which is a poisonous substance that literally means “destruction of life”. It was introduced in 1974, and is used on genetically modified glyphosate-resistant crops, as well as traditional grain crops, trees, orchards, groves, waterways and urban areas (such as parks and streets).In 2015, the World Health Organisation reclassified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”, and since then, there have been over 1000 research papers published on the potential side effects. In animals data (and some human clinical trials), glyphosate has been linked to cancer, kidney damage, mental conditions (such as ADHD, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, miscarriages, infertility and dermatological conditions.Basically, it's been shown to damage DNA, disturb how nerves communicate and elicit an anti-biotic and anti-fungal effect on a the microbiome (of plants, soil and humans). Its anti-fungal effects are particularly concerning to me, because our soils NEED fungi to absorb carbon from the atmosphere, and the human fungal “mycobiome” is INCREDIBLY important and the science is yet to fully understand it. In my view, damaging the fungal kingdom, whether that is in plants, soil or humans… is a monumental mistake.The Effect on Plants and Soil LifeGlyphosate accumulates in the seeds and roots of plants, and works in several ways. Most prominently, it works by affecting the plant microbiome (via the shikimate pathway).Glyphosate is extremely toxic to the soil life. One application can cause a dramatic plunge in the number of beneficial soil micro-organisms and earthworms. Studies show that the reproduction of earthworms was reduced by 56% within three months after herbicide application, as well as a reduction in the species that build humus, contributing to a decline in soil organic matter (and therefore a reduced ability to capture atmospheric carbon).Studies by the International Organisation for Biological Control and other researchers have also found that between 50- 80% of beneficial insects are killed from exposure to residues of a glyphosate herbicide.In addition to this, plants treated with glyphosate don’t produce secondary aromatic compounds, which defend plants (and humans) against pathogens.In summary, the nutrient density of the plant plummets because organic matter declines, nutrients are locked-up in the soil, and beneficial microbes and earthworms decline.Also, because glyphosate moves around the plant, washing fruits and vegetables (or milling grains that have been sprayed), does not seem to remove glyphosate residue. Unfortunately, neither does cooking.How is it broken down?It is broken down in plants and soil by various microorganisms. It absorbs to clay and organic matter, and accumulates in soils over time, and degradation is highly dependent on soil pH. The urban and agricultural use of glyphosate results in run-off into local water ways, and eventually the ocean, where it is highly persistent and toxic to marine life.When animals and humans come into contact with glyphosate, it is excreted in their faeces and urine. Residues of glyphosate have been found in 60-80% of the American population (including children), and 44% of the general public in Europe. It's argued that these levels are too low to result in harm, but this is up for debate.The connection between Glyphosate and Antibiotic resistanceGiven that glyphosate has environmental anti-microbial actions, it stands to reason that intensive glyphosate use may drive antibiotic resistance. It also gives some clues as to why there is antibiotic resistance in agricultural soils not exposed to high antibiotic concentrations.Remember that antibiotic-resistant bacteria will likely be transferred from fields, to animals, to us humans. Living in world where antibiotics do not work is frightening on so many levels.What can you do?In my opinion, the two most effective things you can do are;1) Buy organic/ bio-dynamic/ synthetic spray-free (when possible)2) Contact your local council and ask them what their chemical reduction targets and strategies are. Put the pressure on to find more sustainable and chemical-free alternatives.*The information in this blog is sourced from what is arguably the most comprehensive review that has been published on the effects of Glyphosate on human, soil and the environment by Van Bruggan and colleagues (from March 2018).