The United Kingdom could face new regulations on the use of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide linked to health concerns, as negotiations for a new trade deal with the European Union (EU) unfold. The proposed changes could lead to restrictions on this controversial chemical, which has been banned in the EU since 2023 due to concerns over its potential carcinogenic effects.
Glyphosate’s Role in Agriculture
Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide frequently employed by farmers to desiccate cereal and pulse crops such as wheat and oats before harvesting. This practice, designed to facilitate the harvesting process, has come under intense scrutiny following the EU’s prohibition of its use as a pre-harvest desiccant. The shift in regulatory stance arises from increasing evidence suggesting that glyphosate may pose serious risks to human health.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is currently in discussions with EU representatives regarding the terms of the new trade agreement. This deal aims to streamline trade between the UK and the EU, making it “easier, cheaper and more predictable.” However, environmental advocates argue that this presents a crucial opportunity for the UK government to align with EU standards by phasing out glyphosate.
Voices for Change
A coalition of environmental organisations, including the Soil Association, Greenpeace, and the Wildlife Trusts, has urged the government to take decisive action. In an open letter to Defra, these groups emphasised that aligning with EU regulations on glyphosate would not only safeguard public health but also enhance trade relations with European partners.
Cathy Cliff, campaigns coordinator for the Soil Association, highlighted the growing body of evidence suggesting that there is no safe threshold for glyphosate exposure. She asserted, “It’s time to cut the chemicals from our food and fields,” reflecting a mounting consensus among health experts and environmentalists.
The World Health Organization classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015, and it has been implicated in over 17,000 lawsuits in the United States alleging cancer and other health complications. A recent expert report revealed that glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) can cause genetic damage and hormonal disruption, urging regulatory agencies globally to reconsider their stance on glyphosate.
Current Usage and Public Perception
Despite the heightened scrutiny surrounding glyphosate, its use remains prevalent in UK agriculture. A concerning 41% of cereal crops tested from 2016 to 2023 contained residues of the herbicide, with 28% of UK bread samples testing positive for glyphosate in 2024. This ongoing usage persists even as public awareness lags behind. A recent survey conducted by Riverford, an organic food retailer, revealed that 79% of respondents were unaware of glyphosate, yet 83% expressed concern about long-term exposure to chemical residues in food.
As the UK licence for glyphosate approaches its expiration in November, the chemical industry is ramping up efforts to secure its renewal. The Glyphosate Renewal Group, a coalition of major chemical companies including Bayer and Syngenta, has been actively lobbying the Health and Safety Executive for the continued approval of glyphosate, seeking exceptions that would allow its use as a pre-harvest desiccant.
Changes on the Horizon
While Defra has remained reticent about specifics regarding the ongoing negotiations with the EU, indications suggest that changes to the glyphosate regime are forthcoming. British farmers have been advised to prepare for modifications concerning pesticides, including maximum residue levels and the approval process for pesticide active substances.
Despite the EU’s relatively permissive approach to pesticide use, recent reports indicate that 41.6% of fruit and vegetables sold in the EU contained pesticide residues. The implications of the new trade deal may ultimately compel the UK to adopt more stringent practices, aligning with the EU’s health and environmental standards.
Why it Matters
The potential for glyphosate restrictions under a new EU trade agreement represents a pivotal moment for both public health and agricultural practices in the UK. As evidence mounts regarding the herbicide’s health risks, the government’s response will be crucial in shaping the future of food safety standards and environmental integrity. Balancing trade interests with health considerations could redefine the landscape of UK agriculture, prompting a shift towards safer, more sustainable farming practices that resonate with an increasingly health-conscious public.