This second edition of the report on ‘alternative methods in weed management to the use of glyphosate and other herbicides’ has been published as a contribution to the ongoing discussions among some Member States, led by France, on phasing out glyphosate and promoting alternatives.
The report shows that there is already knowledge and tools available to replace widespread herbicide use. It gives an overview of some of the ecological and mechanical techniques that can be used in combination, forming a toolkit of “many little hammers” to manage weeds, rather than relying on a “chemical wrecking ball”. This means moving from a logic of complete extermination, with associated biodiversity loss, to rather managing weeds, in line with the EU Directive on Sustainable use of Pesticides.
