First and foremost, farmers’ health as first users of plant protection substances cannot be dismissed and neither can the health of consumers.
In today’s time frame, we must show trust in European authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Furthermore, these institutions must be well funded in order to continue their research.
The development of sustainable plant protection is an ongoing process in which public authorities and private companies have to continually invest.
Politicians should never go along with fear-mongering. Decisions should be based on rational arguments and independent scientific data and the precautionary principle should not be misused in an ideological argument.
The discussions on glyphosate should focus on European realities in terms of the substance’s use and the legal framework in which it is used. The discussions should not be misled by the agricultural practices of other countries. It is also necessary to take into account that the ban of glyphosate in the EU would affect the competitiveness of EU products in internal and international trade.
