2 June 2019
A number of glyphosate-focussed stories have appeared in the media this weekend.
Most of these articles fail to reference that agricultural chemicals, including glyphosate, are some of the most regulated products in the world.
The world’s most sophisticated, advanced, independent and scientifically-competent regulators have assessed and reassessed glyphosate and declared it to be safe.
In 2016 the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) comprehensively reviewed the IARC report and found no grounds for glyphosate’s approved uses to be reassessed.
Last month the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reaffirmed the safety of glyphosate, finding it is not a carcinogen. Their Glyphosate Proposed Interim Decision found there are no risks to public health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label.
In January this year, Health Canada re-confirmed their position on the safety of glyphosate saying, “Our scientists left no stone unturned in conducting this review.”
The European Food Safety Authority have stated, “Glyphosate is not classified or proposed to be classified as carcinogenic or toxic…”
Local councils and state departments have a responsibility to their residents and employees and should review the use of weed management tools to ensure they are being used and managed correctly. However, we cannot allow ambulance chasing litigation law firms and anti-chemical activist groups to warp what is a highly regulated industry that provides products crucial for Australian farmers to deliver safe, disease-free and nutritious food.
Without pesticides, like glyphosate, we would not have access to nearly enough produce to feed our nation, let alone contribute to feeding the world.
These chemical products play a critical role in environmentally sustainable farming practices around the world. The application of glyphosate eradicates pests without having to disturb the soil and disrupt the weed’s roots via tillage which can reduce soil erosion by up to 90 per cent, significantly improve water retention and increase/maintain carbon storage.
The community has a right to be informed about glyphosate, but it’s crucial they are informed by the experts. Governments must ensure that the proven and established science of chemistry prevails, so farmers continue to have access to the very best in agricultural tools and technologies.
For more information visit: croplife.org.au/glyphosate