Colombia revokes suspension of aerial glyphosate spraying

The Colombian government has revoked the suspension of aerial glyphosate spraying for the eradication of illicit crops, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from rural communities, social collectives, and environmental experts. The decision, formalized through Resolution 0006 of the National Council on Narcotics (CNE), aims to restore chemical aerial spraying to combat drug production.

Opponents argue that the highly toxic chemical poses significant risks to human health, biodiversity, and food sovereignty. Rural organizations and members of the Pacto Histórico parliamentary group contend that these measures do not dismantle the core structures of drug trafficking, such as processing, export routes, and money laundering, but instead disproportionately impact vulnerable subsistence farmers.

Critics also warn that glyphosate spraying can destroy legal crops and contaminate essential water sources. Rather than chemical eradication, small-scale producers are calling for strengthened voluntary substitution policies, supported by social investment, road infrastructure, land titling, and improved access to economic alternatives.