Page 22 - Tropic Magazine Issue 34

TROPIC • SPECIAL REPORT

Banning

glyphosate

OPINION
Glyphosate is the world’s most
widely used herbicide but
in recent years, it has been
banned in many countries,
from Denmark to France,
Germany to Vietnam and
Bahrain to Fiji. In Australia,
some councils have banned
it, while others – including
Douglas Shire Council –
have phased out its use in
public spaces.

Words: Renee Cluff
Glyphosate restrictions have followed a
2016 USA court ruling, in which chemical
manufacturer Monsanto was ordered to According to the national chemicals
pay more than $300 million to a dying regulator, the Australian Pesticides and
man who used the chemical during his Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA),
job as a school groundsman. Since then, glyphosate is safe to use according to More than
Bayer, which bought out Monsanto and label directions. Five years ago, it found million
inherited all glyphosate litigation, no grounds to place its registration under 800 kilograms
has paid out a further $10.9 billion formal reconsideration and there have of glyphosate is
and set aside another $2 billion for been no reviews since then. used globally per year.
future claims. A class action in Australia is The chemical has been registered for use in Source: Statista
still underway. Australia for more than 40 years.
The evidence surrounding glyphosate’s Tropic has asked three local organisations
health effects remain murky. for their opinions on glyphosate use.

Kinan Lemberg Scott Buchanan Joe Moro
Spray Free FNQ & Blue Hand Steam Wet Tropics Management Authority FNQ Growers
Councils in Far North Queensland are We encourage councils to use the most Glyphosate is one of the most widely used
spraying Roundup on our roadsides, eco-friendly products and methods herbicides in the world.
parks, playgrounds, public spaces and wherever possible, and we work closely Horticulture growers use glyphosate as
environmentally sensitive drainage with them to find the most sustainable part of cropping operations to manage
channels including waterways leading to and environmentally friendly solutions noxious weeds.
the Great Barrier Reef. as they become available. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary
International evidence has shown the However, where mechanical weed Medicines Authority pronounced
herbicide is toxic. removal is impractical or uneconomical, glyphosate as safe for human, animals
We should be able to trust our use of glyphosate-based herbicides and environmental health when used
representatives to provide a safe may occur under a permit with strict according to its label instructions. All care
and healthy environment for our conditions. Though there may be impacts needs to be taken when using chemicals,
communities. The public spraying of this associated with the use of herbicides, whether it’s in agriculture or home use.
carcinogenic chemical is a violation of the proliferation of invasive weeds is
our human rights. Any private or public often a far greater threat to the
organisation using Roundup risks being integrity of the outstanding universal
sued by employees and residents if their value of the area.
health is affected.

22 • Tropic • Issue 34