October 10 2018 Glyphosate debate needs to be scientific Shadow Minister for Agriculture Ian Blayney MLA has backed industry concerns regarding the debate in relation to the use of the agricultural chemical glyphosate, agreeing that discussions on the topic should be based on scientific evidence. “Australia has an extremely scientific approach to agricultural chemical regulation, ensuring every product is independently assessed by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA),” Mr Blayney said. “This independent and evidence based approach safeguards the health and safety of both users and consumers.” Mr Blayney said it was important for scientific evidence to be recognised to prevent myths, misconceptions and scaremongering circulating in the public domain to influence debate. “Once myths enter the debate they will have a disastrous effect on the industry, as we have recently seen with the live sheep export trade,” Mr Blayney said. “It is crucial for all public discussions to be based on facts.” With the use of glyphosate playing a vital role in currently allowing large-scale food production to occur, Mr Blayney encourages the public to seek information from credible sources to prevent damage to the industry. “Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide that has been deemed as a safe product by the APVMA, providing label directions are followed correctly,” Mr Blayney said. “If global use of this chemical was to cease, the increase in soil erosion, from both wind and water, would be massive. “It would be tragic for productivity and sustainability of food production to be destroyed by misconception and misinformation. “I encourage all Australians to become informed on the use of glyphosate from reliable and trustworthy sources.” Ends |
