Glyphosate extension approval confirmed '“ says UFU

“The re-authorisation of Glyphosate will come as a relief to growers as it is a key part of farmers’ toolboxes and is used responsibly across the EU,” said Mr Bell. “If farmers are to meet the challenge of sustainably producing more food for a growing global population and build resilience to climate change, we must have the tools we need to do so.”

The UFU says the task over the next 18 months is to prove to European Policy makers of the importance of Glyphosate and to further prove that it is safe to use while providing assurances to the consumer about its safety when it comes to food production.

“The loss of glyphosate would have greatly increased the time and cost of managing weeds not only for farmers but for local councils and gardeners,” said Mr Bell.

“It would also undermine the competitive production of high quality, affordable crops in the EU should it be withdrawn in 18 months’ time.”

He also made clear that the delay in the reauthorisation process, and in particular the fact that politics rather than science and evidence led policymaking had become the reason for the delay.