Activists breach FMC Rønland factory grounds

Activists from the Green Youth Movement and other Nordic organisations have entered the grounds of chemical factory FMC Rønland in western Jutland, DR reports.

The factory is located on Harboøre Tange. Around 200 activists are demonstrating outside and blocking lorries, while a group forced its way through the fence and onto the premises.

Activist Elaia Tøllbøll said the group entered to take soil samples.

“Part of the problem here is that there is no overview of the contamination inside the current factory grounds,” she said.

The activists are protesting FMC Rønland’s production of the pesticide Dimethoate, which is exported to countries outside the European Union even though its use is illegal in Denmark and the rest of the EU.

They are calling for a national ban on the export of pesticides that are illegal in the EU. They are also demanding a plan to ensure a safe transition to other jobs for employees if the factory closes.

Police are present at the factory and have confirmed that activists breached the fence. The main road between Thyborøn and Harboøre has been closed as a result of the action.

The company previously operated under the name Cheminova. FMC Rønland site manager Jakob Kyllesbech did not have time to comment to DR.