The Federal Court of Australia has recently witnessed the initiation of a class action against Monsanto Australia, drawing attention to the speculated link between the herbicide Roundup and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to recent legal documents.
As the Australian legal landscape grapples with this significant case, the European Union has concurrently decided to extend the current registration of glyphosate for an additional 12 months. A pivotal decision on the renewal of this registration in the EU is set to be unveiled in the latter half of 2023 after the comprehensive disclosure of chemical and food safety evaluations.
Amidst this backdrop, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and the National Farmers Federation (NFF) have been at the forefront of industry dialogues. Bayer, the parent company of Monsanto, has provided detailed briefings to the VFF Farming Systems Committee, Grains, and Horticulture Councils, shedding light on the potential implications of the European Green Deal.
Central to these deliberations is the EU’s potential move to limit access to glyphosate and its proposed prohibition on the export of certain chemicals. Such a ban could obstruct the export of essential crop protection products to regions where they undergo stringent assessments by recognised authorities.
In a recent revelation, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has presented its findings on the glyphosate debate. Following an exhaustive review, the EFSA has concluded that glyphosate poses no significant threats to humans, animals, or the environment.
The VFF remains actively engaged in these discussions, ensuring its members are kept abreast of the latest developments.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, an interview with GPA Southern Director Andrew Weidemann on ABC Victoria Country Hour offers further insights into the safety profile of glyphosate and the ongoing legal proceedings.
