Swiss Mired in Poisonous Row Over Pesticides
Voice of America
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - The idyllic image of peaceful Swiss Alpine pastures is being shattered by upcoming votes on pesticides which have sharply divided opinion in rural Switzerland.
The Swiss will vote on June 13 on a proposal which, if it passes, would make Switzerland the first country in the world to ban synthetic pesticides. Proponents seek to ban pesticides with non-naturally occurring chemicals -- and not only for agriculture but also for public green spaces, private gardens, and even for killing the weeds on railway tracks. The initiative, entitled "For a Switzerland free from synthetic pesticides," would also ban the import of foodstuffs produced with synthetic pesticides, so as not to put Swiss farmers at a disadvantage.South African President and President of the African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his remarks in the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) National Results Center at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, on June 2, 2024. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters stand outside the Alexandra Library polling station in Alexandra, near Johannesburg, on May 29, 2024. Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), South African main opposition party, John Steenhuisen, center, speaks with the media at the Independent Electoral Commission National Results Center in Midrand, May 31, 2024. uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party leader and South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma addresses his supporters outside the Johannesburg High Court in Johannesburg, June 3, 2024. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, right, reacts as he arrives for a press conference at the Independent Electoral Commission National Results Center at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, South Africa, June 1, 2024.