answer text |
<p>Glyphosate is approved for use as a herbicide following a thorough scientific assessment
which showed that it is not expected to harm people or to have unacceptable effects
on the environment. Each authorised glyphosate product has specific conditions of
authorisation which are set out on the product label. There are also general rules
on the safe storage and use of pesticides.</p><p> </p><p>Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) aims to design farming systems to minimise the need for pesticides, including
herbicides, and to make use of alternative approaches such as tailored crop husbandry
and the use of natural predators. The 25 Year Environment Plan includes a Government
commitment to put IPM at the heart of a holistic approach, by developing and implementing
policies that encourage and support sustainable crop protection with the minimum use
of pesticides.</p><p> </p><p>Integrated weed management combines complementary weed
control methods such as grazing, herbicide application and land fallowing. Following
cereal harvest, cultivations are often used with well-timed glyphosate applications
to manage grass weed populations prior to drilling the next cereal crop. This strategy,
together with delaying drilling, can reduce the reliance on herbicides within the
next crop. It can also reduce the risk of resistance development to any herbicides
used subsequently. The use of complementary weed control methods in alternation with
or instead of glyphosate is addressed on product labels. The Government also participates
in the UK Weed Resistance Action Group, which has produced recent guidance on managing
the risk of glyphosate resistance, and recommends a number of IPM methods when using
or considering using glyphosate. These principles are relevant to the use of glyphosate
in agriculture and horticulture, but also in amenity situations.</p>
|
|