Future of glyphosate must be decided by UK, says CLA
Use of chemical should not be part of any upcoming deal with the EU
Future use of glyphosate must be decided by the UK not EU, says the Country Land and Business Association in response to reports that it could be included in an upcoming trade deal.
Defra officials are currently negotiating with their EU counterparts over the terms of a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement intended to make trade with the bloc smoother.
But concerns have been raised that the UK could be signing away its ability to make its own decisions over plant protection products and their use.
'Reducing democratic consent'
CLA President Gavin Lane said:
“Decisions on the use of glyphosate should be made in the UK, based on our own regulatory processes and scientific evidence, and not be part of any deal with the EU.
“Glyphosate is already subject to strict oversight, and its future should continue to be guided by UK authorities, informed by independent science and engagement with industry and other stakeholders.
“Moving towards dynamic alignment with EU legislation risks reducing democratic consent and limiting the UK’s ability to respond to our own farming and environmental priorities.”
The CLA is working closely with Defra and other stakeholders on how the SPS agreement will impact UK farmers and producers. A deal could be signed this summer, with implementation aimed for 2027.