Commentary: Farmers speak out on the facts about glyphosate
Capital Press | Ben Scholz
Too often, science and facts fall victim to fear mongering and emotion. Recently, we have seen an uptick in false narratives around wheat growers’ use of the herbicide glyphosate. The reality is that glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicide brands, including Roundup herbicide, is one of the most effective tools to combat weeds prior to planting or after wheat is harvested.
While there are many claims about glyphosate, the tillage replacement tool has more than a 40-year history of safe use. Further, despite comments by ill-informed interest groups, farmers do not “douse” their crops with glyphosate just prior to harvest or in any application. Like all pesticides, glyphosate works best when used precisely and correctly, and it’s against the law to use it in a manner that is contrary to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved label. Farmers participate in training on how to follow the requirements of EPA labels and don’t want to use any more than they need, because the products are costly and take time to apply.