Dinoterb, which was marketed as a weed killer, has been banned in the European Union since 1998. According to environmental group Mobilization for the Environment (MOB), dinoterb is ‘most likely’ to be used in the ornamental floriculturenow that it has also been measured in surface water in and around the bulb regions of the Noordkop.
The substance not only affects water quality, but is also carcinogenic and harmful to mammals, birds and insects. “It poses a direct danger to residents of the plots where this product is used, especially for pregnant women,” said MOB chairman Johan Vollenbroek.
After years of deliberation, organic grower René van der Aarde from Hem made the switch to organic in 2020. His plot of about six hectares is free from agricultural poisons for three years. He previously told NH about his switch: “The product is better and cleaner. And I made this choice for my health and that of my family.”
‘Fat middle finger’
And the latter in particular does not seem to be taken seriously by others, he says. “It is our environment, this is where we live and breathe the air.” He points to an allotment complex, about 100 meters away. “They also use the water to grow their vegetables. It is a big middle finger to the next generations. It is complete madness that this substance is now being found.”
They have also been aware of norm violations in ditches and ponds for a long time, says Van der Aarde. “The water board also knows where it comes from. They are just burying their heads in the sand.”