The statement comes after there was a qualified majority vote from Member States in favour of the EU Commission proposal in today’s Appeal Committee.
Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said “Although it is good news that a decision has been taken by Member States to end the uncertainty facing farmers and their cooperatives, we are worried that the EU has agreed to re-authorise glyphosate for 5 years instead of the full 15 years not following our own EU risk assessment. It should have been re-authorised for 15 years after it was given a positive assessment by both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). It is vital not only to feed a growing population with reliable food supplies at affordable prices. But also it reduces the need for ploughing which benefits the environment and enables farmers to apply no tillage which reduces soil erosion and keeps soil organic matters up. Without it, our food supplies will be put at risk as there are currently no alternatives on the market. We have very high standards in the EU which consumers need to be better informed of”.
He continued: “Our latest video shows the huge importance of glyphosate for our farmers across the EU. It features farmers from Poland, France, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, UK, Spain all talking about the many benefits of this product also for the environment and being at a loss without it”. Click here to watch the video: https://youtu.be/nEMX5-syExs
