Glyphosate regulation shifts in Argentina's yerba mate sector

Regulatory changes in the Misiones Province of Argentina have removed a specific prohibition on glyphosate, bringing its use under the general regulatory framework for phytosanitary products. This shift does not permit unregulated application; use remains subject to environmental requirements and national obligations. All phytosanitary products must be registered and authorized by SENASA, which establishes maximum residue limits.

In yerba mate production, glyphosate is not applied to the plant itself as part of a general treatment, as the crop is not genetically modified to tolerate it. Instead, it is used for targeted weed control, known as ‘manchoneo’, to avoid contact with leaves, shoots, and green stems. Other management methods include manual weeding, mechanical control, and the use of green covers.

Concerns regarding glyphosate persist due to its classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’. In Argentina, research conducted as part of the EU-funded SPRINT project, involving INTA and CONICET, reported that glyphosate was detected in 100% of the human fecal samples analyzed at the study site.