EPA remains committed to deliver improved outcomes
OPINION: At the end of my first year as chair of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), I have been reflecting on the progress made in the time I have been in the role.
Glyphosate – most commonly marketed as Round Up – is a herbicide sprayed onto the green foliage of plants, and absorbed within that plant to cause its death in about two weeks. Essentially, it kills the weeds that compete with the chosen crop for nutrients and water.
Glyphosate – most commonly marketed as Round Up – is a herbicide sprayed onto the green foliage of plants, and absorbed within that plant to cause its death in about two weeks. Essentially, it kills the weeds that compete with the chosen crop for nutrients and water.
A survey by Federated Farmers three years ago found that 93% of respondents used glyphosate. Farmers made it clear in the survey that they support continuing status quo use and regulation around glyphosate. They also made it clear that restricting or prohibiting the use of glyphosate would mean that they would be unable to farm to the same quality or quantity as they currently are.
The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI), applied to the EPA in February 2024 to decide whether there are grounds to reassess glyphosate and glyphosate-containing substances, cited significant new information about the negative effects of the substance.
After reviewing information provided by ELI and recent international research on the substance, a decision-making committee of the EPA has decided there are no grounds for a reassessment.
This is good news for our growers and orchardists. EPA’s ruling means they can continue to use herbicides like Round Up without new restrictions.
Farmers need the best tools and technological solutions to grow enough crops, using fewer natural resources to produce sufficient high-quality food, respect the environment, safeguard consumers and support themselves.
