Copa and Cogeca send letter to MEPs

Copa and Cogeca sent a letter to MEPs today urging them to approve the herbicide active substance bentazone after the EU food safety authority (EFSA) gave it a positive assessment.
 
Copa & Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said “The herbicide active substance bentazone is widely used in the EU agriculture sector to help fight against broadleaved weeds in crops like wheat, triticale or rye as well as speciality crops like rice, garlic, onion or herbs for which often no alternatives exist. Its use is authorized in all Member States in the EU and it’s a key part of farmers’ tool box”.
 
“Based on a positive assessment from EFSA, the Commission has consequently proposed extending its use until January 31 2032. We urge MEPs to support the Commissions’ proposal when they vote at plenary session this week. We need to build trust in the high standards of EFSAs’ system and EFSA's role as a risk assessor. In addition, it would put EU producers at a clear competitive disadvantage if this product was no longer available as it would still be part of farmers toolboxes in non-EU countries”.