Keeping the glyphosate option – the state of play

Take home messages

• Everyone has a role to play in agricultural debates in Australia.
• The gap between science and the public discourse must be filled with credible evidence to ensure access to key agricultural production tools.
• Every independent, science and risk-based regulatory agency has comprehensively evaluated glyphosate and found it safe, when used according to label directions.
• It is paramount that all effective and safe pest management options are available for growers and environmental land managers to avoid environmental damage, loss of biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

Background

It is becoming increasingly apparent that too often there is a gap between science/evidence and the public discourse. We see this in the glyphosate debate, which threatens farmer access to key agricultural production tools. In such cases, we need to fill this gap with credible information so that Australian farmers maintain their ability to grow and produce food in an environmentally sustainable, efficient and profitable manner.

With the global population set to top nine billion people by 2050, the world will need to produce more food than ever before. That is a staggering challenge which will require a huge effort from everyone in the agricultural supply chain and every tool in the tool-box that enables growers and producers to do what they do best.

Discussion

Since 2018, there has been an increase in glyphosate media reporting. This is largely the result of court proceedings.

Agricultural chemicals, including glyphosate, continue to be some of the most regulated products in the world. The world’s most advanced, independent and scientifically competent regulators have comprehensively evaluated glyphosate and declared it to be safe when used according to label directions. This includes Germany, European Union, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and Japan.

Agricultural chemicals are only registered for use in Australia when they present no unacceptable risks to users, the public and the environment. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is responsible for regulating these chemicals in Australia and is globally renowned for its comprehensive, rigorous, science and evidence-based assessments.

In 2015 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released a monograph naming glyphosate a probable carcinogen. Following that, the APVMA undertook a comprehensive reconsideration nomination assessment. They found no grounds for glyphosate to be reconsidered.

The misleading and exaggerated commentary surrounding the IARC monograph on glyphosate is unfounded and must stop. IARC only plays the limited role of advising regulatory bodies on potential hazards, allowing the relevant regulatory agencies to assess if there are any associated risks and manage them appropriately.

A risk assessment, as conducted by the APVMA, involves considering both the hazard associated with a chemical as well as the likelihood and extent of exposure to that chemical. By determining the hazard, the regulator identifies the potential for that chemical or product to cause harm. If the combination of hazard and exposure are not likely to cause harm, or any potential impacts can be mitigated through personal protective equipment or other risk management processes, the product is considered safe to use and will be registered. This is why label directions for use must be followed.

Conclusion

It is paramount that all effective and safe pest management options are available for growers and environmental land managers to avoid environmental damage, loss of biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Any restriction to the use of glyphosate, one of the most commonly used and safest herbicides, would limit the Australian farmers’ and land managers’ available options to the detriment of sustainable food production, as well as the natural and managed environment.

CropLife will continue to contribute to the discussion on glyphosate to ensure the voice of science and evidence is part of the narrative. It is equally important that everyone within the agricultural community continue to share fact‑based information with their networks. Adequately equipping the broader agriculture sector with information is critical to ensuring farmers maintain access to these crucial products.

CropLife has produced a range of materials which include answers to commonly asked questions about glyphosate. Contact publicaffairs@croplife.org.au for access.

Useful resources

Glyphosate – the facts 

Glyphosate fact sheet

APVMA glyphosate information

Contact details

Dr Katie Asplin
Director – Science and Stewardship Policy (Chemistry)
CropLife Australia
02 6273 2733; 0420 874 865 
katie.asplin@croplife.org.au