The agency’s decision comes after issuing a statement last July that the herbicide remains approved for controlled use in NZ when instructions are followed and that based on scientific evidence the authority considered, it can continue to be used safely.
In the same communication, the EPA also reiterated there was insufficient new scientific evidence to justify a reassessment of its use.
But 10 months later, it is calling for information on the use of the weed killer in NZ as a first step in deciding whether to change the rules around its use.
However, the chemical user’s association Agcarm’s chief executive Mark Ross says there have been no new developments here or overseas that appear to justify the latest move by the EPA.
“When the EPA assessed a range of chemicals in 2018, they put glyphosate as an ‘E’, or way down the list of hazardous chemicals. It seems they have been asked to revisit it,” Ross said.
The EPA screened over 700 chemicals and scaled them for maximum human and environmental risk. This resulted in some priority chemicals being reviewed, including synthetic pyrethroids and fumigant products.
The EPA stated “glyphosate did not rank highly enough for immediate inclusion in our reassessment programme”.
While generally welcoming the EPA’s call for information, some in the NZ scientific community have also questioned the EPA’s decision.
“It is concerning that policy over glyphosate in Europe appears to be more swayed by public perception than facts,” Massey University senior lecturer in weed science Dr Kerry Harrington said.
“Most toxicologists across the world now agree that glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer in humans.”
He says no other herbicide existed that could allow for direct drilling of seed without weed problems afterwards.
“The EPA in NZ will hopefully use this exercise to reassure themselves and the community that it is correct to continue using glyphosate within NZ,” Harrington said.
HSNO general manager Dr Chris Hill says glyphosate was approved for use in the European Union until mid-December 2022, and its continuing use was in a review process, with an announcement to be made mid next year.
“Issuing a call for information now will enable us to have a greater understanding of the NZ context by the time the EU findings are published, and ensure we’re better prepared to assess those findings,” Hill said.
Acknowledging a level of debate on glyphosate’s use, he confirmed HSNO still considers glyphosate is safe to use with proper precautions, in line with Australia, the United States, EU and Canadian markets.
However, he maintained the EPA was taking a stance as a “proactive regulator”, putting the environment and health of people front and centre.
But Ross says the EPA has other higher priorities on its schedule that demand greater attention than the lowly-ranked toxicity of glyphosate.
HiCane (hydrogen cyanamide), methyl bromide fumigant and synthetic pyrethroids in pesticides were all in line for reassessment.
“There is a lot of work going on at EPA and of greater concern that should have high priority. The EPA seems swamped at the moment,” Ross said.
The European Union continues to send mixed signals on its intentions for glyphosate use, with France announcing late last year its use would be banned on arable crops when the land had been ploughed between crops.
The maximum annual dose rate has also been reduced by 60% for crops and orchards, and by 80% for vineyards.
There is also a level of debate within the EU about how legal France’s decision to enforce this rule is, under collective EU legislation.
There has also been fierce debate within the German parliament about any ban of the herbicide and in 2017, the then German agriculture minister voted in favour of the chemical’s use, ensuring five more years of use.
Ross says the EU was due to make a decision on glyphosate late next year.
Germany, Greece, Italy and Switzerland have, like the United Kingdom, so far refused to introduce a blanket ban.
The EPA’s call for information remains open until August 27.
