What is glyphosate? Glyphosate is registered for use on more than 100 crops and is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world.
Who uses glyphosate?
Glyphosate (Roundup®) is used by large- and small-scale farmers as well as homeowners and horticulturists for the control of weeds. Glyphosate is widely used prior to planting of crops in order for farmers to plant in a clean seed bed. It can also be used post-planting before crop emergence, as well as post emergence on Roundup Ready® crops. These applications are possible because glyphosate residues in soil, shortly after applications at the recommended rates, do not affect crop growth because of the combination of the soil-binding capacity, product immobility and rapid degradation which are typical for glyphosate and quite unique when compared to other commercial herbicides.
Where is it used?
It is used in agriculture and forestry, on lawns and in gardens and to control weeds in urban and industrial areas.
Worldwide, the active ingredient, glyphosate, forms the cornerstone of weed management programmes on many farms where it provides flexibility to achieve efficient weed control. Roundup® also allows for easier adoption of conservation and no-till practices, both agricultural systems which are known to make substantial contributions towards sustainability in agriculture. Glyphosate (Roundup®) is registered for use on more than 100 crops world wide.
Is it safe?
There is an overwhelming weight of scientific evidence that underscores the safety and performance of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® herbicide. Based on in-depth review of the comprehensive datasets available, regulatory agencies around the world have concluded that glyphosate is not a reproductive toxin or teratogen (cause of birth defects). There is also no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer, even at high doses. Because it is not genotoxic, it does not cause mutations that can lead to cancer.
Additionally, anecdotal results from first-hand experience of millions of farmers and home gardeners who have used this product for decades indicate safe proper use. Studies have shown that glyphosate, when applied according to the instructions on the label*, is not harmful to soil insects, earthworms or microscopic soil organisms.