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| 02 nov 2017 |
14:40 |
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EU Commission plan to re-authorise herbicide active substance glyphosate for 5, not 15 years
The EU Commission plan to re-authorise the widely used herbicide active substance glyphosate for only 5 years instead of the full 15 years is unacceptable. It will undermine credibility in the EU institutions and put at risk our safe food supplies, Copa and Cogeca warned.
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Ahead of the debate on the Commission proposal in the EU Standing Committee on November 9, Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said “I am deeply disappointed by this latest development. Glyphosate has been given a positive assessment by both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). There should be no question but to re-authorise its use for the full 15 years. Important decisions like this should not be based on emotion or politics. If it’s not renewed for the full term, all credibility in the EU institutions and decision-makers will be lost”.
“This widely used active substance contributes to feeding a growing population and to ensure agriculture conservation and fertile soils. Using glyphosate has many environmental benefits as farmers don’t need to till the soil which reduces soil erosion, keeps soil fertility and soil organic matters up and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It is absurd that re-authorisation of this active substance – the most commonly used herbicide in the world – should become subject to emotions and politics. Without it, European farmers will be put at a distinct disadvantage vis a vis their competitors and safe, quality, affordable food supplies will be put at risk”, he concluded.
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