Copa President Joachim Rukwied said “There is no rational reason not to re-authorise its use. EU scientists have agreed that there are no safety concerns when it comes to using glyphosate. The key scientific bodies involved in this case - Germany, the Member State in charge of the assessment, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – all clearly stated that there are no safety concerns vis a vis the use of this herbicide active substance. Farmers rely on it. In line with our European high safety standards, PPPs are used in Europe like any other technology to produce safe, quality, affordable food supplies to a growing population. Without renewal, the EU will put its farmers at a competitive disadvantage vis a vis non-EU producers”
Cogeca President Thomas Magnusson went on to regret todays calls by European Parliament Environment Committee for a ban, saying that they are not consistent with their position on this from last year and they miss the great environmental benefits that this product has to offer. “Its use is important together with catch crops to prevent soil erosion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to use zero tillage to get soil organic matters up”, he explained.
Based on this strong scientific evidence, we urge the re-authorisation of this widely-used active substance for 15 years. Nothing should stand in its way, Mr Rukwied declared.
The statement comes as Member States ready themselves to discuss its renewal in the EU Standing Committee on October 25.
