The EU Commission plan to re-authorise the widely-used herbicide glyphosate for only 5 years instead of the full 15 years is unacceptable says Copa and Cogeca, the organisations representing EU farmer unions and farm co-operatives.
Ahead of the debate on the Commission proposal in the EU Standing Committee on November 9th, Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said: "I am deeply disappointed by this latest development. Glyphosate has been given a positive assessment by both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). There should be no question but to re-authorise its use for the full 15 years. Important decisions like this should not be based on emotions or politics. If it's not renewed for the full term, all credibility in the EU institutions and decision-makers will be lost."
Mr Pesonen warned that without glyphosate European farmers would be put at a disadvantage with their competitors.
NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick backed that view saying: "NFUS, along with the other farming unions in the UK, believe that those voting must recognise the overwhelming science that indicates that glyphosate is the safest, most eco-friendly herbicide available and it has been a vital, safe, environmentally-positive tool for our arable and livestock farms across Scotland in producing safe, high quality food for consumers for many, many years."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 238 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 235.7p per kg and an average of 202.4p (+0.5p on the week), while 383 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 305p and levelled at 211.9p (+2.6p). Thirty-seven store, B&W bullocks sold to 164.8p and averaged 141.1p (+2.5p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold ten prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 226p and an average of 203.4p, while three prime bullocks peaked at 182p and levelled at 177.9p.
In the rough ring 40 beef cows averaged 130.9p and 29 dairy cows levelled at 103p.
The firm also sold 734 prime lambs to a top of £80 per head and 200p per kg to average 163.9p (-1.1p).
A large show of 881 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £112.50 for Texels and average £58.85, while light/export-type ewes peaked at £72.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £30.81.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1119 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £90.50 and 189p to average 166.1p (+1.9p).
There were also 176 heavy cast ewes that sold to £104 for Texels and averaged £67.88, while 123 light ewes peaked at £67.50 for Lleyns and levelled at £32.61.
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