Austria became a European pioneer on Tuesday by implementing a total ban on glyphosate, the controversial pesticide used in weedkiller suspected of causing cancer.
The European Union has said it will allow the use of glyphosate to continue until 2022, despite the World Health Organisation classifying the chemical as probably carcinogenic.
Austria's Social Democrats had been seeking parliament's approval for a full ban on glyphosate.
Although the measure was backed by environmental campaigners and a growing contingent of Austrian MPs, others expressed reservations. Farmers spoke to FRANCE 24 of their fear at a loss of income while some politicians claimed a total ban would violate EU law.
Click on the video player above to watch the full report from FRANCE 24’s Anthony Mills and Vianey Lorin.
