“There has been much debate and discussion on climate change and environmental sustainability, but little has been done. Considering the scientific evidence and current reality, putting an end to the use of harmful products like glyphosate in farming is basic common sense. This is why the resistance to change shown by farmers, politicians and corporate decision-makers is incomprehensible. They are responsible for the contamination of our planet’s soil and water, which will be faced by the next generations,” states João Roquette, CEO of Esporão.

Herdade do Esporão set the stage for this presentation and Esporão joins the campaign that advocates the agricultural practices in this region. In the last ten years, the Estate has been developing changes in farming practices, pioneering the way to sustainable agriculture in Portugal. With approximately 702 ha of vineyards, olive groves, orchards, and vegetable gardens, Esporão abandoned the use of glyphosate and any type of herbicide in 2011. The conversion to organic farming was initiated 9 years ago and earned Esporão the certification of its olive oils (such as Olival dos Arrifes) and wines (like Esporão Colheita), sold in national and international markets.

The excessive use of herbicides, particularly glyphosate, is a poor agricultural practice and one of the principal causes of soil poverty, decrease in uptake of carbon and other nutrients, as well as soil erosion. The campaign “Farming without Glyphosate/Herbicides” presented Plataforma Transgénicos Fora’s practical solutions debated at the Event hosted at Herdade do Esporão.