The Supreme Court of Justice of Santa Fe has confirmed a ruling that recognizes the genetic damage caused by glyphosate. This is related to a case that took place in the town of Piamonte.
Furthermore, the court has ordered measures to protect the population. The ruling acknowledged medical expert opinions that confirmed genetic damage in a 9-year-old girl.
Glyphosate Alert: What the Ruling Says
The decision by the provincial highest court establishes a minimum distance of 1000 meters for herbicide fumigation. It also requires producers to promote agroecology in safeguarded areas.
The original ruling recognized medical expert opinions that confirmed genetic damage, particularly in Abigail Córdoba, a 9-year-old girl.
In addition to the health damage, the first-instance judge, Daniel Zoso, took into account studies on the feasibility of implementing agroecological models in the area.
He also declared the unconstitutionality of two articles of provincial law 11,273 and of municipal ordinance 9/2020, for allowing fumigations at shorter distances.
The measures by the Santa Fe Court for glyphosate use.
The ruling, now upheld by the Court, orders the municipality of Piamonte to adapt its local regulations, monitor silos and sheds in accordance with provincial resolution 177/2003, and prohibit the circulation of fumigation machinery in urban areas.
It also highlights the State’s responsibility in ensuring public health in the face of the effects of the agroindustrial model.
The lawyer Eugenia Boccio, legal representative of the plaintiff family, praised the resolution.
“It sets a precedent that can be invoked throughout Santa Fe to establish other safeguard distances and protect health, life, and the environment,” she told local media.
The Case
The case originated in 2016, when the Córdoba family, residents of the town of 3500 inhabitants located on Provincial Route 20, filed an environmental protection lawsuit due to the health damage suffered from years of exposure to agrochemicals.
The girl tested positive in genotoxicity studies conducted by the National University of RÃo Cuarto.
The medical report indicated that this type of damage in childhood can anticipate serious illnesses such as cancer in adulthood.
