Macra na Feirme president James Healy strongly encouraged young farmer organisations to outline the key scientific principles behind plant protection and herbicide substances to their member state agricultural ministers in advance of the EU council discussion. He was speaking at a meeting of young farmers in Brussels on the re-authorisation of glyphosate.

Healy said: ‘‘Farmers are professional users of plant protection and herbicide substances and have to be at the forefront of their own health and the health of consumers.’’ He added: ‘‘We must not let a debate based on emotion or fear overshadow scientific research and commentary.’’

European organisations including the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have scientific data that provides a clear position on the safety of the product from a consumer and public health perspective.

There are many economic and environmental arguments that can be raised on glyphosate but any reauthorisation decision should be taken based on the safety of the product from a human health perspective and this data is available from independent European institutions.

Decision-making

Healy concluded: ‘‘It’s not the time for European political decision-making institutions to do a solo run against the rest of the world.

‘‘Our politicians need to leave aside the emotive and populist argument and stick with the scientific data and not have European farmers at a disadvantage to the rest of the world.’’