No GMO: Activists march against Monsanto

Environmentalists opposed to the practices of an agrichemical behemoth this morning marched down Valletta as part of a global protest movement.Local activists from the Malta Organic Agriculture Movement held Malta’s version of the March Against Monsanto, which are held in cities across the world every year on 21 May.Protestors marched up Republic Street and then held a public forum in La Valette square. Independent MP Marlene Farrugia joined environmentalists and Alternattiva Demokratika’s Ralph Cassar as part of the forum.Over 40 organisations and entities backed the protest march, including MEP Miriam Dalli. Labour whip Godfrey Farrugia also joined the march. Those present sought to drum up opposition to Monsanto’s policies on genetically modified organisms and its use of controversial weed killer glyphosate as a key ingredient in its Round-Up pesticide.

Glyphosate is currently in the eye of a European Union policy storm. MEPs voted to restrict its use, including at the pre-harvest stage, last month. But European Commission documents have revealed that it favours extending glyphosate's license for a further 15 years.

France, Sweden and Italy oppose extending glyphosate's...