This was a according to a media statement release on 12 February addressed to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture. The week before, on 4 February the Commission met with the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen; and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.
Akin to SAPToA, the Commission drew attention to the contamination of food products with Terbufos, which had led more than 20 children dying in a few months due to poisoning by this highly hazardous pesticide.
In their media release they state:
“The Commission emphasised the urgent need for South Africa to act swiftly and follow the example of other countries by implementing an immediate ban on Terbufos and other harmful pesticides. The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture agreed on the need for immediate action to protect farm workers and their families, ensuring that pesticide regulation and food safety concerns were addressed in a balanced and evidence-based manner.”
The Commission proposed that, “a multi-sectoral task team should be established, and allocated a timeframe of six (6) months to conduct the necessary research on available and efficient alternatives to Terbufos and other HHPs, with a view of an effective ban on Terbufos in 6 months.”
The Commission is also advocating for a shift to more agroecological approaches to agriculture. Click here to read the full media statement.
