9 October 2018
CropLife Australia always seeks to constructively engage in any public debates or discussions that lead to better-informed parliamentarians and consumers and increased community confidence in the regulation and importance of crop protection innovations.
Following the Four Corners program last night, there have been calls for a Senate Inquiry into the independence of Australia’s pesticides regulator. CropLife does not believe there is any basis that would warrant any inquiry, Senate Committee or otherwise, into the independence of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
It is concerning that media based on emotional speculation with no scientific basis has led to these calls.
The APVMA is universally recognised as a world-leading regulator which makes decisions based strictly on science and evidence. The concerns CropLife has shared about the APVMA relate only to its timeliness in approving vital agricultural products.
The community can remain confident in the APVMA’s comprehensive reconsideration nomination assessment of glyphosate in 2016 following the IARC report. Their assessment found no grounds for glyphosate to be reconsidered. This assessment aligns with Health Canada, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority, the European Food Safety Authority, Germany’s Federal Institute for risk assessment, and the European Chemicals Agency who have also all concluded glyphosate is safe to use.
While an inquiry is unnecessary, CropLife will participate in any process that leads to increased awareness of the importance of agricultural innovations to the Australian community. Any inquiry must be based on facts and evidence and not be driven by any partisan agenda.