The National Farmers Union (NFU) has hosted UKIP MEP Roger Helmer on farm last week to support the union's campaign for the reauthorisation of glyphosate.
Roger Helmer met farmers and growers at Chris Wray’s farm at Donington, South Lincolnshire to discuss the industry’s call for glyphosate to be re-authorised.
Glyphosate is coming up to potential re-authorisation by 31 December 2017, when the European Commission decides its fate.
Mr Helmer saw first-hand how the weed blackgrass can affect wheat production, emphasising the damage losing plant protection products would have on both the industry and the environment.
'Huge blow'
NFU chairman for Holland (Lincolnshire), Chris Wray, said: “Glyphosate is crucial to my business. Its loss would be a huge blow for our whole industry and the environment. It would bring into question the viability of wheat production on blackgrass infested land with very few alternatives, allowing certain fast breeding weeds to spread unchecked.
“Glyphosate also allows us to operate a minimum tillage system, where we carry out minimum cultivations, using cover and catch crops to help with soil biology and the glyphosate for weed control. Simply put, this is a product that we can’t afford to lose.”
NFU members urged Mr Helmer to help the industry retain glyphosate for use across all UK farming types and sectors.
Responding, Mr Helmer said: “I am absolutely 100 per cent behind you on glyphosate’s future use. I am fully aware of the issues and how much more difficult life would be for you without glyphosate.”
Mr Helmer said he would also oppose any attempt to prevent the use of this important tool for the farming industry.
Petition
Farmers across the UK have joined efforts in showing politicians and the public why glyphosate is critical to agriculture.
A petition has been started to help stop the removal of glyphosate as a result of "anti farming groups spreading false science and misinformation" to the wider non-farming public.
Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide, and also is amongst the most thoroughly tested herbicides on the market.
