Activists protest FMC Rønland pesticide exports

Climate activists demonstrated outside chemical factory FMC Rønland on Harboøre Tange, protesting the production and export of a pesticide that is illegal to use in Denmark and the rest of the European Union, DR reported.

The demonstration was organised by the Green Youth Movement. The activists objected to FMC Rønland, formerly known as Cheminova, producing and exporting Dimethoat.

Band Octopussy Riot performed during the protest. Drummer Andreas Engholm said it was “deeply problematic” to produce a product considered so dangerous that its use is banned in Denmark and the EU, while exporting it to places with more lenient legislation.

Mid and West Jutland Police deployed a large number of officers, but the demonstration ended quickly without drama or confrontation. After the band played a few songs and the activists delivered their message, they returned to the bus that had brought them and travelled back to Thylejren, where the Green Youth Movement is staying for the week.

Police incident commander Anders Trier said the demonstration had proceeded calmly and in accordance with the constitutional rules governing demonstrations.

In a written response, FMC Rønland said some advanced plant protection products manufactured in Denmark were not approved for the Danish or European markets because there was no need for them there. The company said the products were developed to protect crops in other countries and under different climatic conditions, where there was a critical need for them and where they were fully approved for sale.