Labasa Cane Producers Association (LCPA) president Mohammed Rafiq has confirmed that Glyphosate will be banned from July 1, 2020.

Recent reports stated that based on increasing evidence on the toxicity of glyphosate and glyphosate-based products for humans and the environment, there is an urgent need to ensure such chemicals are not used in agriculture or the management of green/urban areas.

In response to recent changes in regulations and research on glyphosate impact, Mr Rafiq said this herbicide would be moved to the red list.

“Now it is under the yellow list which means farmers are allowed to apply it to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses,” Mr Rafiq said.

“Glyphosate is frequently in the news due to concerns on health and the environment, in particular, biodiversity and nurturing resistance in so called superweeds.

“Once the ban is issued, no farmer will be allowed to use it on their sugarcane farms.

“If they are found, then they will be suspended.”

In 2015 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation classified glyphosate its Group 2A probably carcinogenic to humans.

Later in 2017, IARC scientists examined the scientific and regulatory literature on glyphosate impact on health and environment.

One of their conclusions was that there is strong evidence on the mechanism of its toxicity, such as cell and DNA damage.

He said a ban on glyphosate would surely bring a lot of benefits and promote a healthy environment.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj