Graham Stuart MP meets local farmers to offer his support for the continuing use of glyphosate
Thu 23rd March 2017
On Saturday 18 March, Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart met local farmers at Mr Jono Dixon’s farm in Patrington, to discuss their concerns about calls from several environmental groups to ban the well-known weed killer, glyphosate.
Graham has been speaking to farmers in Beverley and Holderness about this issue and he wants Government assurances that they will be able to continue using glyphosate, amidst some calls for a ban. As part of preparations for exiting the European Union, Ministers are considering future arrangements for weed killers (including glyphosate) and the UK Government is taking the advice of the independent Expert Committee on Pesticides.
Speaking after the visit, Graham said:
“Many farmers in the East Riding tell me they are concerned about some calls for a ban on glyphosate. It was most helpful to meet this group of farmers today and to see the crucial role glyphosate plays in their work. I want to ensure farmers’ views on this issue are heard. We must strike the right balance to enable farmers to improve productivity and competitiveness while also protecting the environment.
“I understand from ministers that a ban is unlikely and I also welcome the news that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) just last week confirmed their conclusion that glyphosate is not carcinogenic. Following Saturday’s meeting I have highlighted the farmers’ views as a matter of urgency with the Minister for Agriculture.”
John Procter MEP said:
"The ruling from the ECHA underlines once again that this product, which is a vital tool our farmers, is safe when used responsibly. Consequently I will be campaigning for a full 15 year renewal to be agreed by the European Commission and the European Parliament before the end of the year."
Jono Dixon, founder of #Club Hectare added:
“We’re all really pleased that Graham has come here to see just how vital glyphosate is to farming. We need this product and a ban would be disastrous for farmers in the East Riding, the UK and indeed across the EU. We remain concerned about calls for a glyphosate ban, but I know our local farmers have a strong voice in Westminster seeking assurances from the Government that there are no plans for a ban.”
