Email_Vote_on_Glyphosate_2016_04_11

From: ECPA
Sent: 11 April 2016 17:10
Subject: Vote on Glyphosate Motion for Resolution/Objection - Thursday 14th April - ECPA position against the Motion/Objection

Dear Honourable Member of the European Parliament,

As I am sure you are aware, this Thursday the European Parliament will vote on a Motion for Resolution from the ENVI Committee: ‘Objection pursuant to Rule 106: renewal of the approval of the active substance glyphosate’.

As representatives of the European Crop Protection Industry, we disagree with this Motion for Resolution and objection, for the following reasons:

-          The EU system for approval and renewal of active substances is governed by Regulation 1107/2009, and EFSA has the role of carrying out the scientific evaluation. The process and roles played by EFSA and the other regulatory bodies as established by the legislation must be respected by all institutions (EU and National).

-          It is paramount the European Parliament as the representative of EU citizens and co-legislator, who adopted this Regulation, both respect and protect the role of the agency and the regulatory authorities.

-          According to Regulation 1107/2009, the approval and renewal of active substances rely entirely on the assessments of the Rapporteur Member State (for Glyphosate it was Germany) and EFSA, and the decision of the Commission supported by a vote in the Standing Committee on Phytopharmaceuticals (SCoPAFF). It is the role of the European Parliament and the Council to ensure the legislation is respected.

-          IARC is not a body of the EU, and so it is not an official part of the EU decision making process when it comes to active substance approval or renewal, and the assessment process. However, IARC’s work was also reviewed by EFSA in its assessments and did not prevent it from drawing a positive conclusion on Glyphosate, when considering all available scientific evidence. Furthermore, IARC monographs are not framed and drawn up in the context and format required for the EU approval & renewal process.

-          It must be noted that both Germany (as Rapporteur Member State) and EFSA considered Glyphosate as safe in their scientific evaluations, when used appropriately, and thus concluded that Glyphosate is not carcinogenic. Furthermore, residues in food and water are monitored by EFSA, and normally, samples tested for glyphosate residues are completely undetectable. In the vast majority of cases, where residues are present they are within legally permissible limits and well below the threshold which would pose a risk to human health.

-          Access to data & studies have been requested by NGOs and the Commission, with regard to this renewal dossier. Although understandable, there are legal measures in place to prevent the release of confidential business information when it comes to these substances in order to protect intellectual property and investment in innovation. This must be respected and borne in mind by the Parliament and others. These rules do not just apply to the pesticides industry, similar rules exist for biocides, industrial chemicals, and cosmetics, including fragrances. However, to address political and public concern, we believe our member companies involved are considering a mechanism for access to support this particular case.

-          Last but not least, the motion to object neglects the impact of such a measure on EU agriculture. Pesticides are a vital tool in EU farmers’ toolbox, and this includes products containing Glyphosate. We need our farmers to remain competitive, while ensuring the protection of human health and the environment.

It is important that MEPS and the Parliament protect the decision making process agreed for the approval and renewal of active substances, and fully support the role of EU scientific bodies which are regarded amongst the best in the World.  We hope we can rely on your support in this matter.

Yours Sincerely,

Jean Charles BOCQUET
Director general