Manifest 2026

Millions of people around the world are exposed every day to the effects of the use of pesticides and herbicides in agriculture. The use of synthetic chemicals to control ‘pests’ (hence the term ‘pesticides’) has introduced hundreds of active ingredients and formulations that are hazardous to health, contributing to the onset of chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cancer and alterations of the endocrine system. A growing number of studies highlight the link between pesticide exposure and an increase in diseases such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and neurological and sexual development disorders, especially among the most vulnerable - particularly children. Furthermore, the combined effects of these substances (“cocktail effect”) are overlooked, as they remain poorly understood because safety assessments are based on single substances. Many banned pesticides are still in use thanks to exemptions. It is increasingly urgent to apply the precautionary principle, to ban exemptions for pesticides that are already banned, and to phase out synthetic pesticides by 2050.

WE ARE PROTESTING FOR A RETURN TO THE LAND

All the reports from the institutions responsible for monitoring the health of our planet, and the initial reports on the economic and toxic effects of the ongoing wars, demonstrate just how dire the situation is and point to a change in the agricultural production model as a necessary and urgent step. Demonstrating for a return to the land means expressing the need for a shift from industrial agriculture to small-scale, artisanal ecological agriculture (agroecology), capable of producing healthy food for all and promoting a return to respect for the land and its fertility.

WE ARE PROTESTING TO DEFEND CITIZENS, WORKERS AND THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

To protect the health of citizens exposed to pesticide drifts, we call for the establishment of buffer zones of at least 50 metres from soil treated with synthetic pesticides, the designation of sensitive areas, and the protection of all vulnerable groups.

We call for a ban on the most dangerous pesticides – starting with glyphosate – and the implementation of a genuine monitoring policy, with appropriate checks and penalties, which currently do not exist.

We call for regulations to protect biodiversity and natural habitats: meadows, woods, rivers and lakes.

We believe it is necessary to halt the expansion of monocultures, vineyards and orchards -whether conventional or organic- by encouraging local, organic and seasonal food production instead.

We stand in solidarity with the struggles to defend the rights and the dignity of agricultural workers and support the action taken by trade unions to combat slave labour and illegal recruitment practices in the fields.