Speaking on RTÉ Countrywide on Saturday morning, the Commissioner refuted WTO findings that the product causes cancer, claiming the findings are taken out of context.

"What they said is, if you take a particular product in excess, it causes cancer. They are saying that about beef and alcohol as well. Glyphosate has [to] be a part of a balance.

"If you read the small print, it is clearly saying that products that are applied in excess are bad for your health. If it is applied in a balanced way it is safe," he continued.

The science is clear, glyphosate is safe.

"It is up to the member states to stop hiding behind the European Commissioner and to come out and [vote] in favour or against. They will get the opportunity to do so in October (or) November," Hogan said.

Mercosur

Hogan also emphasised the need for "strong" measures to be taken on any deal with the Mercosur countries to ensure that safety standards are met.

"There will have to be a strong chapter agreed on sanitary issues, otherwise there wont be an agreement with the European Union," he said.

Pressure on farmers

The Commissioner also acknowledged the pressure that farmers are under from processors and retailers.

"There is clear evidence that there is a squeeze between farmers and processors and retailers. That is why we are bringing forward proposals in 2018 to do something about it.

"In fact, I am launching the impact assessment which is part of the process that we have to go through here," he said.

A public consultation for this being undertaken in the coming weeks Hogan confirmed.

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