Lithuanian Authorities Ban Glyphosate Use in Buckwheat Ahead of Harvest

The Lithuanian State Crop Production Service, part of the Ministry of Agriculture, has issued a strict warning to buckwheat producers that the use of glyphosate-containing herbicides on buckwheat crops before harvest is prohibited by law.

Recent Violations and Penalties

As the buckwheat harvest season begins, the State Crop Production Service has issued a strong warning against the use of glyphosate-containing pesticides in buckwheat fields. The State Crop Production Service of the Ministry of Agriculture has said that no plant protection chemicals are licensed for use on buckwheat before harvest, so glyphosate treatment is completely banned.

Recent incidents of buckwheat producers applying glyphosate on their crops have resulted in administrative penalties and the removal of contaminated production. This approach not only poses a risk to food safety but is also illegal and can result in financial losses for farmers.

Ongoing Inspections and Public Reporting

The State Crop Production Service regularly inspects fields to ensure they are compliant. If cases of unauthorised glyphosate use are reported, full inspections are carried out, and violators are fined. Information on violations and possible contaminated items will be shared with the relevant authorities, such as the State Food and Veterinary Service, the National Payment Agency, and VšĮ "Ekoagros" the organic certification for organic farms.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected violations of plant protection product use, especially during the harvest season.

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